An EHO visit can be a daunting experience for some, however it shouldn’t be anything to worry about if you are following the correct procedures. Their purpose is to ensure the food your business produces is safe to eat.

Make sure you’re always ahead and in control

EHO’s can turn up unannounced to enter and inspect your hotel’s food premises at any reasonable time, they do not need to book an appointment. As they can turn up at any time this is why it’s crucial that you strictly follow food safety law so when the EHO turns up you are fully prepared.

At the end of their visit, in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, you will be presented with a score from the Food Hygiene Rating scheme of 0 – 5. Any business should be able to achieve a “5 – very good” rating. Scotland has its own equal system but will either issue a “pass” or “improvement required” rating.

What is an EHO looking for?

When an Environmental Health Officer comes to visit your premises to conduct a Food Hygiene Inspection they look at 3 areas:

1. Structure – cleanliness, layout, lighting, ventilation and pest control
2. Food Hygiene – how the food is stored, prepared, cooked, cooled, re-heated
3. Food Safety Management System

This checklist has everything covered, follow it and get that 5* food hygiene rating your hotel deserves!