Preparing for EHO – Level 1

An environmental health officer is responsible for carrying out inspections to businesses. They assess compliance with environmental health legislation and offer support to business to make sure the operate in a safe and legal way. An EHO officer has the following powers:

• To enter the premises at any time
• To carry out an inspection and be assisted in that inspection
• To seize and retain any items dangerous to health
• To prescribe any actions that the business must undertake to bring the business up to standard
• To immediately close the business where there is a severe danger to public health.

Following an EHO inspection in Scotland, they will grant the business a Pass or Fail status. Elsewhere the in the UK they grant a 1-5 star rating. During and EHO visit the following areas of the business will be inspected:

• Safe food practices (food production, storage and service)
• Premises and environment (general building condition, maintenance and cleanliness) 
• Safety management (safety policies and risk management)

If somebody approaches you and introduces themself as an Environmental Health Officer:

• Don't Panic
• Ask to see their ID
• Direct them to a seat while you get the manager on duty.