Guidance for Appeals for Food Businesses

What is the purpose of the Appeal process?

Following a hygiene inspection of your premises by an Environmental Health Officer, you will be told in writing, either at the time or within 14 days (this includes weekends and public holidays) what your food hygiene rating is.

If you think that the rating is wrong or unfair, or it does not reflect the hygiene standards at the time of inspection, you can appeal against this.

What should I do if I want to appeal my food hygiene rating?

It is a good idea to speak informally first of all to the Environmental Health Officer that undertook the inspection of your premises. You will be given their contact details when you are notified about your rating. This will help you to understand how your rating was worked out and to see if you can resolve the matter without having to appeal.

Following that, if you still think the rating given is wrong or unfair, you can lodge an appeal. To do this, you should download and complete the standard Appeal Form and send to Fermanagh & Omagh District Council’s Principal Environmental Health Officer (Food). You will be given their contact details when you are notified about your rating.

 How long do I have to appeal?

You must lodge your appeal in writing (you can send an email) within 21 days (this includes weekends and public holidays) of being notified of your food hygiene rating.

What happens next and when will I know the result?

The Principal Environmental Health Officer will review your case (in some circumstances a further visit to your premises may be required). You will be notified of the outcome of your appeal within 21 days from the date that the appeal was lodged.

What if I don’t agree with the outcome of the appeal?

You can challenge Fermanagh & Omagh District Council’s decision by judicial review.