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 via our portal form.

Sign in to appeal

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.

The form is hosted on the Merton Council website for the Regulatory Services Partnership. If you do not already have an account, you will need to create an account and sign in to submit your report.

Sign in to reply to your rating

• Choose Richmond from the list of councils
• Select 'Requests' and then 'Submit a Request/Complaint'
• Choose Food – Right to Reply from the menu options under 'Request Subject'

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 using our portal. We will review the request and will usually publish the rating early.

Sign in to request early publication

Request a revisit

If you have made improvements since your last food hygiene inspection, you can use our portal to 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 £284. 

Sign in to request a revisit

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