Appeal your food hygiene rating
After a hygiene inspection, we’ll let you know in writing what your food hygiene rating is within 14 days.
If you think the rating is wrong or unfair you can appeal against it.
How to submit an appeal
Speak to the food safety officer who did your inspection. This will help you understand how we worked out your rating. You may be able to resolve the matter without having to appeal.
If you still think the rating is wrong or unfair, you can lodge an appeal.
Complete the online food hygiene rating scheme appeal form.
How long you have to make an appeal
You have to make your appeal within 21 days (including weekends and public holidays) of us telling you your rating. We’ll tell you the deadline for appeal when we tell you your rating.
If you make an appeal, your rating will show as ‘awaiting publication.’
If you do not appeal within 21 days, we’ll publish your rating on the Food Standards Agency ratings page after a period of 35 days.
When we’ll tell you the result
We’ll review your case. In some circumstances we may need to visit your premises again. After you submit your appeal, we’ll tell you the result within 7 days.
We’ll then publish your hygiene rating online.
If you don’t agree with the outcome of the appeal, you can challenge the decision by judicial review.