Food business inspection in Portsmouth
Portsmouth’s food scene is thriving. From high street takeaways, independent cafés to large-scale food producers. To keep diners safe and uphold hygiene standards, Portsmouth City Council’s Environmental Health team regularly inspects all food premises, following national guidance from the Food Standards Agency (FSA).
Takeaways and food premises in Portsmouth are inspected every 6 to 36 months, depending on their risk rating. Busy takeaways are inspected most frequently, every 6 to 12 months, to ensure public safety and hygiene.
This inspection system helps maintain Portsmouth’s reputation for safe, high-quality food, whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or enjoying a sit-down meal.
What determines food inspection frequency?
After an initial inspection, each food business is placed into a risk category. This rating decides how often it will be inspected again. Key factors include:
- Type of food handled (e.g. raw meat, fish, ready-to-eat meals)
- Hygiene and compliance history
- Volume of food produced
- Customer base (e.g. vulnerable groups)
- Membership of safety assurance schemes
Food premises inspection schedule in Portsmouth
| Risk Category | Inspection Frequency | Examples |
| A – Highest Risk | Every 6 months | Large takeaways with poor hygiene history |
| B – High Risk | Every 12 months | Busy takeaways with good hygiene record |
| C – Medium Risk | Every 18 months | Restaurants handling high-risk foods |
| D – Low Risk | Every 2 years | Shops selling pre-packaged foods |
| E – Very Low Risk | Every 3 years or monitored | Minimal food handling, e.g. drinks only |
Takeaways in Portsmouth are usually Category A or B, meaning they are inspected every 6 to 12 months, depending on their food handling practices and hygiene record.
What is a Food Hygiene Rating?
After each inspection, businesses receive a Food Hygiene Rating from 0 to 5:
• 5 = Very Good
• Ratings are published on the Food Standards Agency webpage and are often displayed in shop windows.
Tips for customers
- Look for the green Food Hygiene Rating sticker when choosing where to eat.
- Check the official FSA ratings online before visiting a new venue.