Low risk food businesses
If your food business has previously been inspected by East Hampshire Council and classified as low-risk, you may be asked to complete a self-assessment questionnaire instead of being inspected when it is due.
Types of low risk business
The types of business which may be low risk include:
- home caterers
- childminders/assisted living settings
- newsagents
- off-licences
- community groups/food banks
- social clubs
These low risk businesses are normally due an inspection every three years. It is our policy to target resources on the inspection of higher risk businesses, such as restaurants, takeaways and food manufacturers. For lower risk businesses, it is often proportionate and appropriate to gather simple information rather than to carry out a visit when these businesses become due inspection.
The only time we may still need to carry out an in person inspection is if there have been significant changes to the foods which you prepare or sell, or other changes to the business, such as ownership changes.
Submit a self-assessment questionnaire
Complete the online questionnaire below if you have been contacted by the food and safety team. You will not be able to save your form so please be sure you have enough time to complete it.
Low risk food business questionnaire
Once we have received your questionnaire, we will review the information provided. Assuming that the operations are largely unchanged we will update our systems to indicate that a virtual inspection has taken place, and will amend your next inspection due date. In some circumstances we may contact you to gather more information, and sometimes, we may still need to carry out an inspection of your premises.
Please note only food businesses, included in the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme, that receive a physical inspection will be given a new hygiene rating and sticker.
Contact us
You can contact us for further information or advice on completing the questionnaire at ehealth@easthants.gov.uk, or telephone: 01730 266551.