Food hygiene is one of the most crucial — yet often misunderstood — aspects of running a hospitality business. With a poor hygiene rating capable of damaging a venue’s reputation overnight, many business owners are turning to experts like Katy Elliott, founder of 5 Star Food Safety, to ensure they hit the gold standard.
Katy has made a name for herself across the North West and beyond by helping restaurants, takeaways, cafes and a wide range of food businesses implement systems that not only meet, but exceed Environmental Health Officer (EHO) standards. Offering bespoke systems, she has become the go-to food safety guru for businesses serious about maintaining high standards.
FOR A FREE CONSULTATION WITH KATY CALL HER ON 07940314549 OR EMAIL katy@5starfs.uk
A Remarkable Turnaround in Aigburth
One of Katy’s recent success stories is Space Bar & Grill in Aigburth, Liverpool. In September, the venue went from a 0-star food hygiene rating to an impressive 5-star score — a transformation that took just 10 weeks to achieve.
“They followed my advice and found my paperwork easy to complete and, more importantly, understand,” said Katy. “We made some practical changes in the kitchen and trained the staff on the bespoke food safety system I had installed. It wasn’t about spending loads of money — it was about understanding what was required and being consistent and working with all the staff. The training makes the staff more confident as some of the rules and regulations can be confusing to them, especially if English isn’t their first language ”
This kind of turnaround doesn’t just save businesses — it revitalises them. A 5-star rating can attract new customers, build trust and significantly boost trade. But Katy warns that achieving the top rating isn’t always a clear-cut path.
FOR A FREE CONSULTATION WITH KATY CALL HER ON 07940314549 OR EMAIL katy@5starfs.uk
Inconsistent Inspections: A Growing Concern
While Katy’s system has helped 97% of her clients achieve a 5-star hygiene rating, she is increasingly concerned about inconsistencies in how different EHOs interpret the rules. “One of my customers runs three venues, all using the exact same food safety system,” she explained. “Two of the sites were awarded a 5-star rating, but the third only received 3 stars. The one main difference? The Environmental Health Officer.”
In the case of the 3-star site, the inspecting officer claimed Katy’s paperwork system wasn’t “robust enough” — a claim she strongly contests. “To say that is ridiculous,” Katy said. “The system has a proven track record, and the paperwork is the same across all three sites. It’s worrying that such subjective opinions can have real consequences for a business.” Another Environmental Health Officer told one of Katy’s customers that it was too robust! This made her customer laugh, as the EHO said it would be impossible for food poisoning to incur! So it just shows, it’s the interpretation from each individual EHO.
She clarifies that while paperwork wasn’t the only factor in the lower score, EHOs’ differing interpretations of food safety standards can create confusion and unfair outcomes for business owners — especially when the same system is producing 5-star results elsewhere.
FOR A FREE CONSULTATION WITH KATY CALL HER ON 07940314549 OR EMAIL katy@5starfs.uk
Different EHOs, Different Results
Katy explains: “Liverpool EHO department is amazing. We all work closely together and this means small catering businesses can achieve a 5* Food Hygiene Rating. I am lucky enough to be able to ask Liverpool EHO for advice and they always help because sometimes we have to think outside the box.Liverpool EHO also recommend me to businesses who need help.”
She continues: “I take the fear out of food safety and am teaching my customers not to be afraid of Environmental Health, to engage with them and have the confidence to ask questions. Of course, some EHOs are much easier to approach than others.“
Katy has also produced her system in other languages – Chinese, Sorani, Turkish, Italian, Arabic. Katy produced bespoke laminated signs for the kitchen, which are useful memory joggers for busy staff. She says: “So, I can guarantee a 5* Food Hygiene Rating if the customer is truthful, if the customer follows my advice and they complete the paperwork. If the paperwork is completed truthfully then it means cleaning is being carried out, dates and food labelling is being followed, and the cleaning is taking place.“
FOR A FREE CONSULTATION WITH KATY CALL HER ON 07940314549 OR EMAIL katy@5starfs.uk
Safer Food Better Business v. Katy’s System
Reasons why the SFBB (Safer Food, Better Business) so difficult to understand?
1. The rules can be interpreted in many different ways.
2. The terminology can be difficult to understand, especially if English isn’t your first language.
3. The documentation is not set out clearly.
4. The forms to complete are not always easy to follow and can be very confusing.
Reasons why Katy’s system is easy to understand:
1. Katy’s rules can’t be interpreted is many different ways; it’s black and white.
2. Katy’s terminology is easy to understand – no long words – no jargon.
3. Katy’s documentation is easy to understand and, if required, can be translated into any language.
4. Katy’s forms are very easy to complete.
5. Katy is only a phone call way if the customer needs help, advice or just a general chat to build good relationships with business owners and chefs.
FOR A FREE CONSULTATION WITH KATY CALL HER ON 07940314549 OR EMAIL katy@5starfs.uk
Not Always a Quick Fix
Katy also acknowledges that not all businesses are ready to hit 5 stars straight away. “Some of my clients are dealing with language barriers, limited kitchen space, or very old infrastructure. These are works in progress, and we chip away at the improvements together.”
Still, she remains confident in her process, urging businesses to take a proactive approach. “Whether you’re starting from scratch or aiming to improve, there’s always something that can be done. But it helps to have someone in your corner who knows the system inside and out.”
FOR A FREE CONSULTATION WITH KATY CALL HER ON 07940314549 OR EMAIL katy@5starfs.uk
The Takeaway
With a combination of expertise, practical systems, and honest advice, Katy Elliott is changing the food safety game for countless hospitality businesses. But as her recent experiences show, even the best systems can be at the mercy of subjective inspections. Her message is clear: do the work, stay consistent and be prepared — but also, know your rights and don’t be afraid to challenge inconsistent decisions.
Katy absolutely loves her job, loves her customers and loves to laugh – so you will need a sense of humour! She ensures she leaves her customers with a newfound confidence and they are not afraid to ask questions.
FOR A FREE CONSULTATION WITH KATY CALL HER ON 07940314549 OR EMAIL katy@5starfs.uk
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