That’s a fourfold difference between the cheapest and most expensive re-ratings. And given the process is the same, it raises a fair question – how reasonable are these costs?  

While some councils say fees reflect administrative or inspection costs, the variation suggests a postcode lottery that could leave small businesses unfairly out of pocket. 

Why businesses feel the pressure to re-rate 

Let’s face it, no one wants a low hygiene rating pinned to their name. 

Local media loves a “dirty kitchen” headline, and even when improvements are made, it can take months to shake off the stigma.  

That’s why so many businesses choose to pay for a re-rating, even though they’re not legally required to. 

And if you’re in Wales or Northern Ireland, there’s no hiding it. It’s a legal requirement to display your rating, meaning there’s even more pressure to get that perfect score. 

As one of our senior consultants Ben Hansford put it: 

“It’s an easy win for local papers to run stories on poor ratings — they often request the full report and photos from councils. For many operators, paying for a re-rating isn’t just about compliance, it’s about reputation.” 

How the food hygiene re-rating process works 

Once a business addresses the issues raised during inspection, it can apply for a re-visit from its local authority. 

Here’s what you need to know: 

• Councils must carry out the re-visit within three months of receiving your payment. 

• If your council doesn’t charge, there’s a mandatory three-month standstill period before a free re-inspection can take place. 

• Where a fee is charged, businesses can request multiple re-ratings (as long as they keep paying). 

For small operators, that can mean hundreds of pounds spent trying to correct a single score. 

What this means for food businesses 

For independent cafés, takeaways, or small restaurants, these charges can add up fast. 

And because every council sets its own price, two identical businesses on opposite sides of the country could pay wildly different amounts for a re-inspection. 

This inconsistency highlights the importance of getting compliance right the first time. Not only does it save time and money, it also protects your reputation and customer trust. Not to mention the hassle of getting your business re-rated.  

How we can help you achieve a 5-star food hygiene rating 

Our findings show that UK businesses are paying £219.95 for food hygiene re-ratings, depending on their local authority. 

For those in hospitality already battling rising costs, that’s a fee most would rather avoid. The good news is, with the right systems in place, you can. 

At Food Alert, we help food businesses avoid paying for unnecessary re-ratings, by guiding them towards a 5-star rating every time. 

Our expert consultants work with restaurants, cafés, bars and hotels across the UK to make sure they’re inspection-ready all year round, not just when an EHO visit is due. 

We do this through: 

• Food safety audits and mock inspections 
• HACCP compliance support and system management 
• Staff training and coaching 
• Post-inspection guidance and appeal support 

We’ve helped hundreds of operators secure and maintain 5-star hygiene ratings, helping their businesses stay compliant, confident, and ready for anything. 

Speak to a Food Alert consultant today and find out how we can help you achieve and maintain a 5-star food hygiene rating without the extra cost.