Food Hygiene Rating Scheme

The Food Hygiene Rating Scheme is based upon a nationally recognised initiative, supported by the Food Standards Agency (FSA).

About the scheme

The scheme provides information about the hygiene standards of businesses that supply food directly to the public.

This includes businesses where food is supplied, sold, or consumed, such as:

• Restaurants, pubs, and cafes
• Takeaways, food vans, and market stalls
• Canteens and hotels
• Supermarkets and food shops
• Schools, hospitals, and care homes

Certain businesses, such as wholesalers and manufacturers, are excluded from the scheme.

Inspections

A food safety officer will visit a business and inspect the premises to check if it is complying with food hygiene law and producing food that is safe to eat.

The inspection focuses on three elements:

• How hygienically the food is handled
• The physical condition of the business
• How the business manages ways of keeping food safe

Ratings

Following a food hygiene inspection businesses will be given a rating between 0 and 5:

• 0 – Urgent improvement is necessary
• 1 – Major improvement is necessary
• 2 – Some improvement is necessary
• 3 – Hygiene standards are generally satisfactory
• 4 – Hygiene standards are good
• 5 – Hygiene standards are very good

The food safety officer will explain why a rating was given, what improvements are needed, and how the business can achieve the top rating of '5'.

Find out more about what a food hygiene rating covers.

Find a rating

You can search for food hygiene ratings in Richmond upon Thames using a business name, address, or postcode.

Search for a food hygiene rating

Appeal a rating

The Food Hygiene Rating Scheme has been designed to make sure that the ratings given to businesses are fair. If you think that your rating is unfair or wrong, you can appeal it in writing.

To appeal a rating, download the rating appeal form and send it to us at the address below within 21 days of receiving the rating. The 21 day period includes weekends and public holidays.

Right to reply

As the owner or manager of food business, you have a 'right to reply' to the rating your business has received.

The right to reply allows you to explain any improvements you have made to your hygiene standards or if there were unusual circumstances at the time of inspection. Your response will be published online along with the hygiene rating for your business.

To reply to your rating, download the right to reply form and post it to the address below.

Early publication request

If you are happy with the rating your business has received you can request that it is published before the end of the appeal period. We will review the request and will usually publish the rating early.

Your request must include:

• Details of who you are
• The name and address of the business
• Your contact information
• The date of the inspection
• The rating given

To request early publication of your rating, download the early publication request form and email it to foodandsafety@merton.gov.uk or post it to the address below.

Request a revisit

If you have made improvements since your last food hygiene inspection, you can request a revisit to get a new rating.

Revisits usually won't take place until three months after your initial inspection. There is no limit to the number of times you can request a revisit.

You should be aware that your rating can go up, down, or stay the same.

This service costs £274. An inspecting officer will contact you about payment. Please do not make a payment until an inspecting officer has reviewed and approved your supporting documents.

To request a revisit, download the request for a re-rating visit form and post it to the address below.

Contact us

If you have any questions or would like advice please contact the Food Safety team:

Food and Safety
Regulatory Services Partnership
Merton Civic Centre
London Road
Morden
SM4 5DX

Telephone: 020 8545 3025
Email: foodandsafety@merton.gov.uk