EHO Compliance
The Complete EHO Inspection Checklist for UK Pubs (2024)
An unannounced EHO visit is one of the highest-stakes moments in pub operations. This checklist covers every area inspectors examine — from cellar temperatures to allergen documentation.
Environmental Health Officers (EHOs) assess UK hospitality venues across four key areas: food hygiene and safety, structural requirements, confidence in management, and allergen controls. Understanding exactly what inspectors look for is the single most effective step you can take to protect your food hygiene rating.
What EHOs Examine During a Pub Inspection
1. Food Hygiene and Safety
- All food contact surfaces cleaned and sanitised on schedule
- Correct temperature controls maintained (chilled: ≤8°C, frozen: ≤-18°C, hot-hold: ≥63°C)
- Raw and ready-to-eat foods stored separately, with clear date labelling
- Cellar temperature logs complete and up to date
- Pest control records available on request
2. Structural Requirements
- Handwashing facilities accessible and stocked at every food prep station
- Adequate refrigeration with calibrated thermometers
- Ventilation systems clean and unobstructed
- Waste disposal procedures documented
3. Confidence in Management
- Written Food Safety Management System (HACCP) in place
- Staff food hygiene training records current (Level 2 minimum)
- Cleaning schedules signed off by a named manager
- Corrective action logs showing how previous issues were resolved
4. Allergen Controls
- All 14 major allergens documented for every menu item
- Verbal and written allergen information available to customers
- Cross-contamination prevention procedures in place
How Raise The Bar Keeps You Inspection-Ready
The Raise The Bar platform digitises every checklist item above into daily, weekly and monthly shift tasks. Managers sign off in real time, and the audit trail is automatically maintained — so when an EHO arrives unannounced, your compliance record is already complete.