These checks are to ensure the business is complying with food safety legislation, and that the food it produces or handles is safe to eat. The establishment may be issued with a food hygiene rating to demonstrate the level of its food hygiene standards.

Food safety legislation is devolved to the individual governments of each country in the UK and different legislation applies, although the requirements are broadly similar. In England, the requirement for food safety inspections is under the Food Safety and Hygiene (England) Regulations 2013. In Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, the General Food Regulations 2004 and Food Hygiene Regulations 2006 apply. For more information about food hygiene regulations across the UK, see our guide, Food Hygiene Regulations in the UK.

This factsheet explains what a food safety inspection is, what type of establishments are required to have them, who carries them out and what happens during and after an inspection.