Requesting a Rescore Visit: When, How & What to Expect

To request a rescore, contact your local authority environmental health department. Most authorities have an application form available on their website or can send one by email. You will need to provide your business details and confirm that you have made improvements. The fee varies by local authority but typically ranges from 120 to 200 pounds. This is a non-refundable fee that covers the cost of the EHO visit, regardless of the outcome. Once your application is accepted and the fee is paid, the local authority will schedule a rescore visit. The visit is unannounced, just like a routine inspection. You will not be told the specific date. The local authority aims to carry out the visit within three months of accepting the application, and most visits happen within two to four weeks. You must be open for business and carrying out food preparation when the EHO visits, as they need to observe your normal operations.

After the rescore visit, the EHO will produce a new inspection report with updated scores for each of the three areas. Your food hygiene rating will be recalculated based on the new scores. The updated rating will replace your previous rating on the FSA website and other platforms once the data is processed, typically within a few weeks. There are three possible outcomes: your rating improves (the most common result when businesses have genuinely prepared), your rating stays the same (usually because improvements were superficial or the EHO found new issues), or in rare cases, your rating could decrease if conditions have deteriorated. If your rating does not improve as much as you hoped, review the new inspection report carefully to identify what else needs attention. You can request another rescore in the future, though some authorities limit how frequently you can apply. The best approach is to prepare thoroughly for a single rescore rather than relying on multiple attempts.