How to Request a Food Hygiene Reinspection in the UK
You Don't Have to Wait for the Next Scheduled Inspection
Many food business owners assume they must wait for their local authority's regular inspection cycle — which can be anywhere from six months to three years depending on your risk category. In reality, you have the right to request a reinspection at any time after making improvements. This is called a "right to request a re-rating" and is a formal part of the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme.
The process was established under the Brand Standard revision to the FHRS and is available to all food businesses in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Scotland operates a separate Food Hygiene Information Scheme (FHIS) with different procedures.
Step 1: Make Your Improvements First
Before requesting a reinspection, complete all the improvements identified in your last inspection. Your local authority will have provided a letter or report detailing what needs to change. If you did not receive this or have lost it, contact your local authority's Environmental Health department to request a copy.
Do not request a reinspection until you are genuinely confident that all issues have been addressed. An unsuccessful reinspection does not just waste your fee — it can damage your credibility with the inspector and may result in even closer scrutiny at future visits. Inspectors remember businesses that request reinspection without making meaningful changes.
Focus on documentation first, as this is the area where most businesses score poorly and where improvement is most visible. A fully completed SFBB pack with dated entries, current temperature logs, up-to-date cleaning schedules, and filed training records demonstrate systematic improvement that inspectors value.
Step 2: Contact Your Local Authority
Every local authority has an Environmental Health department that handles food hygiene inspections. You can find your local authority and their contact details on the Food Standards Agency website at ratings.food.gov.uk.
Contact them by email or phone and state that you wish to request a paid reinspection under the FHRS right to re-rating. Some councils have an online form for this purpose. You will need to provide your establishment name, FHRS ID (found on your current rating certificate or the FSA website), and a brief description of the improvements you have made.
Step 3: Pay the Reinspection Fee
Reinspection fees are set by each local authority and typically range from £150 to £300. Some councils charge more for larger premises or complex operations. The fee covers the cost of the officer's time and administration — it is not a penalty or fine.
Payment is usually required before the inspection is scheduled. Most councils accept bank transfer, card payment, or sometimes cheque. Ensure you have the fee payment confirmed before expecting an inspection date.
Step 4: Prepare for the Visit
Reinspections follow exactly the same process as routine inspections — they are unannounced, comprehensive, and scored against the same criteria. The only difference is that you requested it and paid for it.
Preparation should include a thorough deep clean of all food preparation areas, checking all documentation is current and accessible, verifying all staff have the required training certificates, confirming all temperature monitoring systems are working, and ensuring all structural repairs are complete.
On the day, have the following ready and accessible: your SFBB pack or HACCP documentation, temperature logs for the previous four weeks minimum, your current cleaning schedule with sign-offs, staff training records and certificates, pest control reports, and supplier records.
Typical Timelines
Most local authorities aim to conduct reinspections within three months of receiving your request and payment. Some are faster, particularly if they have capacity. However, Environmental Health departments are often under-resourced, so delays are possible.
You cannot choose the date or time of your reinspection. It will be unannounced, just like a routine inspection. This means your standards must be maintained consistently — not just prepared for a specific date.
What If the Result Is Disappointing
If your reinspection does not result in the improved rating you hoped for, you have two options. You can appeal the rating through the FHRS appeals process within 21 days (this only applies if you believe the process was flawed, not if you disagree with the judgement). Alternatively, you can make further improvements and request another reinspection — though you will need to pay the fee again.
The most common reason for disappointing reinspection results is that documentation improvements were made but physical or procedural improvements were not sustained. Inspectors look for evidence of consistent practice, not just a one-off effort before the inspection.
Cost-Benefit Analysis
At £150–300 for a reinspection, the cost is easily justified for most food businesses. Consider the revenue impact of a low rating: lost delivery platform listings (potentially thousands of pounds per month), reduced walk-in custom, and the reputational cost of a visible low rating. A single improved rating point can pay back the reinspection cost many times over.
For businesses on delivery platforms, the calculation is stark: Deliveroo removes businesses rated 0–1, and other platforms have similar thresholds. If delivery revenue represents even £1,000 per month, a £200 reinspection fee that restores platform access pays for itself within a week.
Get Your Reinspection Ready
HygieneFix generates a personalised action plan showing exactly what to improve before requesting a reinspection. Based on your specific inspection scores, business type, and local authority, the plan prioritises the changes that will have the biggest impact on your rating. Check your rating at hygienefix.co.uk.