How to Pass an EHO Inspection UK: A Complete Guide
Why EHO Inspections Matter?
Every food business in the UK must undergo inspections by Environmental Health Officers (EHOs). These inspections determine your Food Hygiene Rating Scheme (FHRS) score—a number between 0 (urgent improvement needed) and 5 (very good).
With 43% of UK consumers checking FHRS scores before dining out, a poor rating can damage reputation and revenue overnight. The good news? Passing an EHO inspection isn’t complicated if you know what inspectors look for—and prepare accordingly.
What Does an EHO Look For?
EHOs assess three main areas during inspections:
Food Handling and Storage
How food is prepared, cooked, cooled, stored, and served.
Cleanliness of Premises and Equipment
The condition of kitchens, toilets, equipment, lighting, and ventilation.
Food Safety Management and Records
Your HACCP-based food safety system, staff training, and cleaning schedules.
Your overall FHRS score depends on the lowest score across these areas.
Food Handling Best Practices to Impress EHOs
Temperature Control
Cook food to 75°C or higher.
Keep chilled foods below 5°C.
Keep freezers at -18°C or colder.
Log temperatures daily and calibrate thermometers regularly.
Cross-Contamination Prevention
Use color-coded chopping boards and knives.
Store raw and cooked foods separately—ideally in different fridges.
Provide dedicated handwash sinks stocked with soap and paper towels.
Food Labelling and Rotation
Clearly label all foods with dates.
Use a first in, first out (FIFO) system to reduce waste and avoid expired stock.
Keeping Your Premises Inspection-Ready
Daily Cleaning Routines
Follow a “clean as you go” system during service.
Sanitize worktops and utensils between tasks.
Schedule deep cleans for hard-to-reach areas.
Waste Management and Pest Control
Empty bins regularly and always keep lids closed.
Work with a licensed pest control contractor.
Block gaps, seal doors, and keep records of pest inspections.
Equipment Maintenance
Replace cracked chopping boards and rusty pans.
Service fridges and ovens regularly to ensure safe operation.
Documentation and Compliance Records
HACCP / Safer Food Better Business
Have a HACCP-based system in place (e.g., SFBB pack). EHOs want to see active monitoring—not just a dusty file.
Cleaning Schedules and Logs
Maintain daily, weekly, and monthly cleaning schedules with initials/times. EHOs may spot-check these against your kitchen.
Staff Training Records
Keep certificates, signed training forms, and refresher logs. EHOs often quiz staff during inspections.
Staff Training and Culture of Hygiene
Frontline Awareness
Every staff member should know:
When to wash hands.
How to avoid cross-contamination.
Basic allergen awareness.
Allergen Management
With Natasha’s Law in place, allergen handling is a hot EHO focus. Always keep allergen information up to date and accessible.
Refresher Training Before Inspections
If you know an inspection is likely, brief staff on hygiene basics and ensure records are in order.
Common Mistakes That Lead to Low Scores
Dirty or broken handwashing stations.
Poorly labelled or out-of-date food.
Grease build-up in hard-to-reach areas.
Missing HACCP or cleaning records.
Signs of pest activity.
Pro Tips: Staying EHO-Ready Every Day
Use ATP hygiene swab testing to verify cleanliness with objective data.
Carry out mock EHO audits—quick 10–15 min walkarounds using FHRS criteria.
Always operate as though today is inspection day.
FAQs: How to Pass an EHO Inspection UK
Q1: How often do EHOs inspect restaurants?
Typically every 6–18 months, depending on your risk rating.
Q2: What’s the fastest way to improve my FHRS score?
Deep cleaning, staff refresher training, and fixing record-keeping gaps.
Q3: Can I appeal my FHRS score?
Yes. You can appeal within 21 days if you feel the score is unfair.
Q4: Do EHOs warn before visiting?
No, inspections are almost always unannounced.
Q5: Do small cafés need HACCP too?
Yes—all food businesses, big or small, must have a HACCP-based food safety system.
Conclusion: Be EHO-Ready Every Day
Passing an EHO inspection isn’t about a last-minute panic—it’s about creating a culture of hygiene and compliance. When food handling, cleanliness, and records are consistently managed, a 5★ rating becomes the standard, not the exception.
At Black Belt Cleaning Co., we help Exeter and South West food businesses stay EHO-ready with:
✔ ATP hygiene swab testing & same-day reports
✔ Mock EHO-style inspections
✔ Corrective cleaning and re-tests