Food Hygiene Rating Scheme

We carry out a risk based programme of food hygiene inspections to ensure that food sold to the public is safe to consume.

Certain businesses, such as wholesalers and manufacturers, are exempt from scheme.

Most food businesses are part of the Food Hygiene Ratings Scheme - operated by the Food Standards Agency. Following inspection businesses are allocated a rating between 0 and 5, where 5 is very good.

View details about the scheme and how ratings are calculated from FSA website.

Food hygiene ratings

There are circumstances when a business can apply to change their rating. As a business you can:

Request a re-visit

You can request a re-visit where you will be assessed for a new rating at any time after your inspection, once you have taken action to rectify any non-compliance(s) that were identified at the time of inspection.

This is a chargeable service. The current charge is £261 per hour. 

You should be aware that your rating can go down, go up or remain the same following your re-rating visit. 

How to apply for a re-visit 

Complete and return to foodandsafety@merton.gov.uk or to the postal address given on the form. 

You should attach or include evidence of works carried out such as receipts and photographs. If you require further information you should contact the inspecting officer whose telephone number is on your inspection report.

Ways to pay

The inspecting officer will be in touch regarding payment. 

Please do not make a payment until the inspecting officer has reviewed and approved your accompanying documentation.

Online

Make a payment

By debit card

Call 020 8545 3025.

Appeal a rating

You can appeal a rating if you are unhappy with it and do not agree that the rating reflects the standards at the time of the inspection.

Right to reply

You have a right to reply in respect of the food hygiene rating given. You can explain any mitigating circumstances or state improvements that you have made since the inspection.

Early publication request

As a business owner or manager you can request that a rating is published before the end of the appeal period. This request must be made in writing to your local authority (contact as below).

You must include:

  • Details of who you are
  • The name and address of the business
  • Your contact information
  • The date of the inspection
  • The rating given

We will review the request and will usually publish the rating early.

You can use the early publication request form (from the FSA website), email at foodandsafety@merton.gov.uk or write to your local authority directly: 

Food and Safety
Regulatory Services Partnership
2nd Merton Civic Offices
London Road
SM4 5DX