Food Hygiene Experts
Food Hygiene Consultants for UK Businesses
Specialist food hygiene consultancy to improve your hygiene rating, pass EHO inspections, and build lasting compliance. From one-off audits to ongoing retained support.
What Does a Food Hygiene Consultant Do?
A food hygiene consultant specialises in the practical, day-to-day aspects of keeping food safe during handling, preparation, and storage. While food safety covers the broader regulatory framework, food hygiene focuses on what Environmental Health Officers (EHOs) assess during inspections under the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme (FHRS).
Our food hygiene consultants audit your premises against the same criteria EHOs use: hygienic food handling (preparation, cooking, re-heating, cooling, and storage), structural compliance (cleanliness, layout, lighting, ventilation, and facilities), and confidence in management (HACCP documentation, training records, and corrective actions). We then provide a clear, prioritised action plan to improve your rating.
How We Improve Your Food Hygiene Rating
Whatever your current rating, we have a proven path to improvement
Major food hygiene failures identified. Risk of enforcement action or closure. Our emergency consultants respond within 4 hours to address critical issues and prepare for re-inspection.
Significant hygiene gaps exist. We conduct a full audit, prioritise corrective actions, and work with your team to implement changes before the next inspection.
Compliance basics are met but gaps remain. Our consultants identify what is holding you back and create a targeted improvement plan to reach 4 or 5 stars.
Strong hygiene standards with minor areas for improvement. We fine-tune documentation, staff practices, and monitoring procedures to secure that final star.
Top rating achieved. Our ongoing support package keeps you at 5 stars with regular audits, training refreshers, and documentation reviews so your next inspection is stress-free.
Our Food Hygiene Consultancy Services
Flexible options from one-off audits to retained monthly support
Hygiene Audit
One-off assessment of your current food hygiene standards
- Full on-site hygiene assessment
- Gap analysis report
- Prioritised action plan
- EHO inspection readiness score
Rating Improvement Programme
Targeted programme to improve your food hygiene rating
- Everything in Hygiene Audit
- Staff training session
- Documentation review and updates
- Follow-up visit before next inspection
Ongoing Hygiene Support
Retained food hygiene consultancy for continuous compliance
- Monthly hygiene audits
- Unlimited phone and email support
- Annual training refresher
- Pre-inspection preparation
Food Hygiene Consultants in London & Across the UK
Kitchen Tonic is based in London with food hygiene consultants covering all 33 London boroughs. We also provide consultancy services across the entire UK, with consultants in Manchester, Birmingham, and Scotland.
Our consultants understand the specific requirements of each local authority and can guide you through the inspection process with confidence.
View London CoverageLondon Boroughs We Cover
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a food hygiene consultant cost?
Food hygiene consulting costs depend on your current situation and what you need. A one-off hygiene audit starts from £399, a rating improvement programme from £599, and ongoing monthly support from £149/month. We offer a free initial risk assessment to help determine the right approach for your business.
What is the difference between food safety and food hygiene?
Food safety is the broader discipline covering all aspects of ensuring food is safe to eat, including legislation, HACCP systems, and risk management. Food hygiene specifically refers to the practical day-to-day measures taken to keep food clean and safe during handling, preparation, and storage. Both are assessed during EHO inspections under the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme (FHRS), which scores businesses from 0 to 5.
Can a food hygiene consultant guarantee a 5-star rating?
No consultant can guarantee a specific rating, as scores are awarded by independent local authority Environmental Health Officers. However, Kitchen Tonic has a 98% success rate in helping clients achieve 4-5 star ratings. We know exactly what EHOs look for and prepare your business accordingly.
How quickly can you improve my hygiene rating?
Timelines depend on your current rating and the nature of the issues. For businesses with a rating of 3, targeted improvements can often be implemented within 4-6 weeks. For lower ratings with structural or systemic issues, expect 2-3 months. Emergency cases (rating 0-1) receive priority response within 4 hours.
Do you cover food hygiene consultations in London?
Yes, London is our primary base. We have food hygiene consultants covering all 33 London boroughs, including Westminster, Camden, Hackney, Tower Hamlets, Southwark, and the City of London. We also provide food hygiene consultancy services across the entire UK.
What happens during a food hygiene audit?
Our consultant visits your premises and assesses the same areas an EHO would examine: food handling and preparation practices, temperature control and monitoring, cleaning and sanitisation, staff food hygiene knowledge, documentation (HACCP, training records, cleaning schedules), and structural compliance. You receive a detailed report with a prioritised action plan.
Ready to Improve Your Hygiene Rating?
Take our free risk assessment to find out where you stand, or book a consultation with one of our food hygiene consultants.