Frequently asked questions

• What is a mock EHO inspection?

  It is a practice inspection carried out the way an Environmental Health Officer would approach it. We walk through your kitchen, review your records and procedures, identify risks, and give you a prioritised plan — so you can put things right before any real visit. It is a rehearsal on your side, designed to help you prepare with confidence.

• Is this an official council inspection?

  No. We are a private, independent consultancy, not a local authority or Environmental Health department. We have no regulatory powers and do not carry out statutory inspections. Our role is to help you understand where you stand and how to improve, entirely separately from the official process.

• Can you guarantee a five-star rating?

  No, and we would be honest with anyone who promised you one. Your Food Hygiene Rating is decided solely by your local authority when its officers inspect your premises. We can help you prepare and improve, which we believe genuinely helps, but no independent consultancy can control or guarantee the outcome of an official inspection.

• How long does an audit take?

  It depends on the service and the size of your kitchen. A focused review can take around ninety minutes, while a detailed audit or full-day visit takes longer. We confirm the expected duration with you when you book, so there are no surprises.

• Will the visit disrupt service?

  We work hard to fit around you. Visits can often be arranged outside your busiest hours, and we assess calmly and unobtrusively. Most businesses find the visit causes little to no disruption to normal service.

• What documents should we prepare?

  Having your food safety management system to hand is helpful — for example your HACCP paperwork, cleaning schedules, temperature records, allergen information and training records. If something is missing or incomplete, that is fine; identifying those gaps is part of what we do.

• Can you support more than one site?

  Yes. We offer multi-site support with a consistent audit framework, site-by-site comparison and group reporting, so standards can be reviewed fairly across your locations. This is usually arranged as a tailored programme with a custom quote.

• Do you provide staff training?

  We offer practical, hands-on staff coaching and team briefings to build good food-safety habits. This is practical support rather than an accredited qualification, unless we state otherwise for a specific session.

• When will the report arrive?

  You will usually receive a short verbal summary of the main points on the day, followed by your written report shortly afterwards. We confirm the expected turnaround when you book so you know what to expect.

• Are reports confidential?

  Yes. Your report and any photographs are treated as confidential and handled securely. We share them only with you and the people you nominate, and we never publish or pass on your findings.

• What areas do you cover?

  Serving food businesses across the region and surrounding counties.

• Can I book an urgent visit?

  Where our schedule allows, we can often accommodate an urgent booking. An urgent booking may carry a small additional charge, which we confirm with you before you commit. Get in touch and we will let you know the earliest date we can offer.

• What happens after the audit?

  You receive a written report with risk-rated findings and a prioritised list of practical actions, in a sensible order. You can work through it at your own pace, and many clients arrange a follow-up visit or call to check on progress.

• Can you help with an existing low hygiene rating?

  Yes. If your last rating was disappointing, we can help you understand the likely reasons, improve your practices and records, and prepare for a re-visit. We cannot guarantee the outcome of any future official inspection, but we can help you put yourself in a much stronger position.

KitchenSure Compliance is an independent consultancy. We help you prepare and improve, but we are not a local authority and never guarantee a Food Hygiene Rating.