How did I get this star rating?

Your rating is based on your most recent food inspection carried out by a London Borough of Waltham Forest food officer. When an officer carries out a full food hygiene inspection, the food business is also given scores that determine the star rating and how often a premise is inspected.

How can I improve my star rating?

Predominantly, scores are based on compliance with statutory obligations available from Food Standards Agency. Please find below a checklist detailing matters that are often identified as having an affect on star ratings.

  • Refer to correspondence that followed your last inspection and address all points. For further clarification regarding such requirements you may contact the Food Officer concerned. Contact details can be found on any correspondence you have received.
  • Controlled and monitored hot and cold storage temperatures
  • Adequate cleaning and disinfection
  • Maintaining a premises that is physically suited to the needs of the business in good repair
  • Documented food safety management system that verifies food safety procedures are in place. Visit the Food Standards Agency web site for further information on the free safer food, better business (SFBB) pack. To order a small retail or small catering business pack please call 0845 606 0667 or email foodstandards@ecgroup.uk.com.
  • Pest proofing
  • Correct storage and disposal of waste
  • Provision of appropriate toilet and washing facilities
  • Meeting all the requirements identified in a previous inspection
  • Ensure staff are supervised/instructed/trained appropriately
  • A satisfactory record of compliance since last inspection

Why have I been scored when I have not been inspected since this system was introduced in October 2007?

A decision was made by London Boroughs to offer scores on any inspections dating from 1st January 2006.

Can I change my rating before my next inspection?

Your score may only be changed during your next scheduled inspection. Although we do not give prior notice of when we will inspect, inspections will generally take place every 6-18 months. Low risk premises will be inspected less frequently - up to 5 years. The frequency of inspection is calculated using a risk rating system produced by the Food Standards Agency.

Inspections may also take place when business ownership changes or if serious breaches of food legislation are identified during a routine visit or through complaint investigation.

Can the star rating be changed as soon as I have completed any works required following an inspection?

No. Your star rating is designed to reflect what is found at the time of the unannounced inspection. The star rating will only be changed when a programmed food hygiene inspection is undertaken. If standards are maintained the rating is likely to be changed at the next food safety inspection.

I have recently taken over a business that has a very poor rating. Will the previous history affect me?

No. When we are notified of a new food business operator we aim to visit soon after trading starts. A new rating will then apply to your business. Thus it is very important to inform us as soon as you intend to take over an existing business. Businesses are legally required to register 28 days prior to commencement of trading. You can register by contacting the Food and Safety Team, Sycamore House, Town Hall Complex, Forest Road, Walthamstow E17 4JF or telephoning 020 8496 2240

Can I complain about SOTD?

You have a right to reply that enables you to explain subsequent actions or mitigation of the circumstances found at the time of the inspection. The right to reply is not an appropriate method to make complaints or criticism the scheme or an inspecting officer. You can download the right to reply form.

Return the right to reply form to:

Food and Safety Team
Sycamore House
Town Hall Complex
Forest Road
Walthamstow
E17 4JF

How will this benefit my food business

A good rating can be considered a good advert for a food business. Where the public become aware of a high score, via the internet or by seeing the certificate/star rating, an increase in business may occur.

Can the Council remove a certificate after it has been awarded?

All certificates remain the property of the Council and can be removed at any time. In exceptional circumstances a certificate could be withdrawn, for example where an Officer visits to investigate a complaint and finds that standards have fallen dramatically, thus requiring a re-inspection.

Will I have to pay to be in this scheme?

No. The only costs associated with the scheme are those incurred when you put good hygiene practices in place.

Why have I not received a certificate?

Certificates and stickers are being supplied to food businesses only where an inspection has taken place since the 1st January 2006. Some low risk premises such as newsagents and  pharmacies may not receive the certificate and sticker automatically. However, all star ratings are available online at YourLondon web site

Should you require a copy of your certificate you may request one by contacting the Food and Safety Team, Sycamore House, Town Hall Complex, Forest Road, Walthamstow E17 4JF or telephoning 020 8496 2240.

Which food businesses are excluded from the scheme?

The following businesses may be excluded from the scheme:

  • Businesses that are operating from a home address are exempt due to data protection issues
  • Mobile traders
  • Some premises handling only low risk foods, such as fruit, vegetables, canned and other ambient shelf stable products
  • Certain manufacturing premises approved under regulation 853/2004
  • Premises where legal action is being considered or is in progress

I do not want to participate. Can I opt out or are there any exemptions?

All catering businesses and most other food premises will be included in the scheme. Your score will reflect the circumstances found during your last inspection. There is no opportunity to ‘opt out’.