Right of Reply

What is the purpose of ‘Right of Reply’?

As the food business operator of the establishment you have a ‘right of reply’ in respect of the food hygiene rating given following your inspection.  You may exercise this right at any time while the rating is valid.

The purpose is to enable you to give an explanation of subsequent actions that have been taken to make the required improvements as detailed in the inspection letter, or to explain mitigation for the circumstances at the time of the inspection.  It is not for making complaints or for criticising the scheme or Environmental Health Officer who carried out the inspection.

How do I use the ‘Right of Reply’?

If you wish to use this ‘Right of Reply’ you should download and complete the standard Right of Reply Form and return it to the Environmental Health Officer who completed your hygiene inspection.  You will be given their contact details when you are notified about your rating.

Your comments will be reviewed by the Environmental Health Officer and may be edited in order to remove offensive or defamatory remarks before being published online and displayed together with your food hygiene rating at http://ratings.food.gov.uk/.  There will be a statement there to highlight that the accuracy of your comments has not been verified by District Council Officers.