Food hygiene inspections
We inspect food businesses in the Wycombe area and give the premises a hygiene rating. This rating shows how closely the business is meeting the requirements of food hygiene law.
The inspector will consider
- how hygienically the food is handled - how it is prepared, cooked, re-heated, cooled and stored
- the condition of the structure of the buildings - the cleanliness, layout, lighting, ventilation and other facilities
- how the business manages and records what it does to make sure food is safe
Food hygiene ratings
At the end of the inspection, the business is given one of six ratings.
Food hygiene ratings
Food hygiene rating | What the rating means |
5 |
Very good |
4 |
Good |
3 |
Generally satisfactory |
2 |
Improvement necessary |
1 |
Major improvement necessary |
0 |
Urgent improvement necessary |
The inspector will explain to the business owner or manager what improvements are needed and how they can achieve the top rating. Any business should be able to reach the top rating.
Following the inspection, businesses are given a sticker confirming their rating.

We encourage businesses to display these stickers so that customers can see them.
The Food Hygiene Rating Scheme is run in partnership with the Food Standards Agency (external website).
Safeguards for food businesses
If you own a food business and disagree with the rating you have been given, you have three options.
1. Make an appeal
You can appeal within 21 days of receiving your rating by completing the appeals from. Verbal appeals cannot be considered.
Food Hygiene Rating Scheme appeals form [Word | 380KB]
2. Right to reply
You have a right to reply by explaining the actions you have taken following the inspection or if there were any unusual circumstances at the time of the inspection.
Food Hygiene Rating Scheme right to reply form [Word | 380KB]
3. Re-inspection
If you have fixed all non-compliance issues identified during the inspection, you can request a re-inspection.
Food Hygiene Rating Scheme request a revisit form [Word | 382KB]
Making a complaint
If you are still not be satisfied with the outcome you can use the complaints procedure. See complaints and compliments.
Food safety news and updates