Review of the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme (FHRS) Safeguards

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) will shortly be carrying out a review of the FHRS safeguards in England, Northern Ireland and Wales. The review will focus primarily on the appeals process but will also look at the right to reply and requested re-inspections safeguards.

The purpose of the review is to ensure that the safeguards:

• are fair to businesses;
• do not unnecessarily deny consumers access to information;
• have a sound legal basis;
• are understood by all key players
• are accessible for businesses; and
• are fit for purpose

The review will engage with local authorities, food businesses and food safety professionals as well as organisations representing businesses and consumers. It will seek views on the current safeguards, and where necessary, will suggest improvements to the current system.

It is planned that the review will be completed by the end of December 2018 and the report finalised early in 2019. The FSA will then liaise with its key stakeholders via the various user groups, steering groups etc., to assess the report recommendations and establish next steps.

The FSA are very keen to hear your views. If you are approached as part of the review – it is anticipated that engagement will take place from mid-October to end November 2018 – we would be most grateful if you would take the time to contribute.

If you do have any views on the current safeguards, experiences of using them or suggestions for improvements, please email hygieneratings@food.gov.uk with the subject heading ‘FHRS safeguards’.
Please submit any views, comments or ideas by 31 November 2018.