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Running a hospitality business means wearing many hats, but one responsibility that can’t be overlooked is food safety. This is where Environmental Health Officer (EHO) inspections come into play. These inspections make sure your business is operating in line with food safety regulations in order to protect public health.
But what does an EHO inspection involve? Let’s take a look at what you can expect from an EHO inspection, what to do when an EHO officer shows up, and how to pass your next inspection with flying colours—with the help of digital tools like Telsen, of course.
An EHO inspection is a visit from an Environmental Health Officer to check that your business is meeting food safety and hygiene standards. These inspections are designed to:
EHOs are professionals who are trained to spot issues that could lead to foodborne illnesses. Although it might be stressful when they show up, their goal isn’t to catch you out but to make sure your operations are safe and compliant at any given time.
During an EHO inspection, the officer will take a look at several aspects of your operation, including:
They’ll check to ensure that your kitchen is clean and well-maintained, and all surfaces, equipment, and utensils are sanitised.
An EHO inspection checklist will also include things like making sure any perishable items are stored at the correct temperatures and that ingredients are properly labelled and within expiry dates.
This part covers questions like: Are your staff following hygiene protocols, like wearing gloves or washing hands regularly? Is cross-contamination being prevented?
This is a pretty important one—an EHO officer will check to make sure your premises is free from pests like rodents and insects and if you have measures in place to prevent any infestations.
This is where it pays to keep digital checklists for easy access to show the EHO officer, as they’ll be checking if food safety logs and cleaning schedules are up-to-date. With Telsen, all of our features contribute to record-keeping that keeps you prepared. Our HACCP app ensures food is handled safely, digital monitoring proves your fridges and freezers are compliant, and checklists show your entire food safety management system is being followed. Without these tools, you’ll likely be more than a little flustered trying to piece it all together on the spot.
Aside from inspecting your premises, an EHO might:
It’s not uncommon for EHOs to offer constructive feedback during their visit—take this as an opportunity to strengthen your operations, not as a criticism of your work!
The frequency of EHO inspections depends on several things, like the type of food your business handles, the results of previous inspections, and if they’ve received any complaints or incident reports about your business.
High-risk establishments like restaurants and catering businesses may be inspected more frequently, whereas lower-risk operations might only see an EHO every couple of years.
Preparation is key to acing an EHO inspection. Here are some of our top tips:
An EHO inspection checklist is your ultimate guide to making sure that nothing is overlooked. Key items to include here are:
With Telsen’s food safety app, you can digitise this checklist, making it easy to update and access at any time.
EHOs will want to see evidence of your compliance, so keeping detailed records is non-negotiable. Our software allows you to store all your documentation digitally, including:
No more sifting through piles of paper when the officer arrives—everything you need is at your fingertips.
Your team is your first line of defence during an EHO inspection. Make sure they are:
Don’t wait for an EHO inspection to identify issues. Use our software to conduct regular self-audits, so you can:
When an EHO arrives, here’s how to handle the situation:
Failing an EHO inspection can have serious consequences, including receiving a low food hygiene rating, facing fines or legal action, and/or damaging your reputation and losing customers.
If issues are identified, you’ll usually be given time to address them. However, repeated non-compliance could lead to temporary or permanent closure, so it’s important to make sure you fix any issues ASAP.
Digital tools like our food safety software make preparing for an EHO inspection easier than ever. Here’s what you can expect:
From your EHO inspection checklist to temperature logs, all your records are stored digitally, so you’re always inspection-ready.
Our app provides real-time notifications for tasks like cleaning schedules or equipment maintenance, so nothing falls through the cracks.
Tailor your EHO inspection checklist to your specific needs, ensuring you meet all requirements.
With digital logs and timestamped records, you can track every action, improving transparency and accountability within your team.
When everything is organised and accessible, inspections become less stressful. You’ll be able to impress EHOs with your streamlined processes and commitment to food safety.
An EHO inspection doesn’t have to be daunting. With proper preparation and the right tools, you can approach inspections with confidence. Our food safety software has been designed to simplify compliance, streamline operations, and give you that all-important peace of mind.
Want to know more about how it all works? Book a demo today to see for yourself how our digital tools can transform your food safety management—and keep your business running smoothly.