What to expect from a food safety inspection

Complying with food safety and hygiene standards - Kaffe O and Belfast City Council (video)

Case Study

Kaffe O is a Scandinavian-inspired café business with multiple sites in Belfast. They have attained a food hygiene rating of five. 

Owner Orla Smyth explains how they have created a culture of prioritising food hygiene and safety throughout the business. Orla describes the approach they take to food hygiene, including staff training, audits and checklists. 

Christina McErlean, Food Safety Environmental Health Officer at Belfast City Council, outlines the food hygiene inspection process and the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme. Christina explains the three areas evaluated during an inspection and what happens following a council's assessment of a food business.

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Case Study

Orla Smyth

kaffe o

Orla's top tips:

  • "Get advice early from your local council"
  • "Create a culture around the importance of food hygiene within the business"
  • "Maintain that culture through adequate training and monitoring of staff"

Christina McErlean

Belfast City Council

Christina's top tips

  • "Have a food safety management plan in place"
  • "Train staff so they know what to do when things go wrong"
  • "Focus on cleanliness and instructing staff how to clean equipment and surfaces"