Love is in the air… and so are Food Hygiene Inspections

EHO Story 📩

Since it was Valentine’s Day last week, let’s stick with that theme—because nothing says romance like a food hygiene inspection ❤

When I worked in local government, inspections could be full of surprises. But this one? This one was next level.

I had visited this particular business a few months earlier and, let’s just say, their food hygiene rating wasn’t winning any awards. The owner had spent most of the inspection telling me about his wife and child and making excuses for the poor hygiene standards—while I tried to explain the risks of poor cleaning and cross-contamination!

The entire time, there was a waitress glaring at me like I’d personally insulted her ancestors. I’m sure you can see where this is going…

Food Safety Tip

If you’re due for a re-rating inspection, don’t just focus on the obvious cleaning. EHOs will look at:

• Proper food storage of foods such as raw vs. ready-to-eat segregation
• Pest control measures
• Temperature control
• Staff personal hygiene including clean uniforms and regular hand washing
• Paperwork—make sure your food safety management procedures are documented!
• Anything they raised during your last inspection- make sure you thoroughly check their report and have addressed everything!

Got all that covered? Great. Now, back to the story…

Valentine’s Surprise

A few months later, the owner applied for a re-rating. When I arrived, neither he nor the ‘moody’ waitress was at the counter. A staff member quickly scurried off to find him.

Then came the moment I will never forget.

The staff member opened the single toilet door (a cozy space, I might add), and out walked the owner… followed very closely by the ‘moody’ waitress.

Both looking extremely flustered. Both avoiding eye contact. And the cherry on top? The owner had lipstick smeared all over his face 💋 💋 💋

Now, I don’t know about you, but staying professional while explaining cross-contamination risks to someone who has clearly just been cross-contaminated themselves is, shall we say… challenging.

But hey, love finds a way. Even in a food business ❤

Stay classy!