Your Food Safety Risk Assessment Tool Is Changing – Here’s What You Need to Know

We’ve made big improvements to the NCASS Food Safety Risk Assessment Tool. It’s now easier to tailor to your business, quicker to complete, and built around feedback from both members and EHOs.

How these changes affect you depends on whether you’ve already started or completed a food safety risk assessment in the current tool.

You’ll start fresh using the new version of the tool when it launches. It’s cleaner, easier to use, and guides you step-by-step through each food process to help you stay compliant.

You’ll need to finish it before the new tool goes live. Once it’s complete, it’ll stay on your account and you’ll be able to view or download it when needed – including for inspections or event applications. If you then need to make changes or renew your membership, you’ll need to complete a new risk assessment using the upgraded tool.

Your existing risk assessment will not be deleted. You can still access and download it whenever you need. However, if you want to make changes, you’ll need to start a new one in the updated system.

Members told us the old tool was too repetitive, too rigid, and not easy to tailor. EHOs told us they’re looking for clear, specific documentation that reflects what’s actually happening in the kitchen, van, or unit.

· Improved editing and personalisation tools

· Removed duplication to shorten the final document

· Made it easier to share digitally – especially for remote inspections or event applications

· Added support for more advanced food processes (like sushi, vacuum packing, or sous vide)

· You’ll understand your risk assessment better and know it matches your real-life processes

· It’s easier to update and manage going forward

· EHOs will find it easier to review – and that can support your Food Hygiene Rating and save time at inspections

· You’ll be able to add new processes and still keep it all in one clean, professional document

If you already have a completed risk assessment, you’re not being forced to change it. You only need to use the new tool if you want to edit your current assessment or when you next renew your membership.

We’ll let you know when the new tool goes live. In the meantime, our team is here if you want guidance on what to expect or how to get started. Get in touch by phone by calling us on 0300 124 6866 or email us via [email protected]