Who is The Food Hygiene Rating Scheme for?
It is for members of the public to help them choose where to eat out or shop for food.
What is the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme?
A national scheme which gives food businesses a hygiene rating based upon conditions found at the time of a food hygiene inspection.
Who runs the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme?
Local Authority Environmental Health Departments, in conjunction with the Food Standards Agency (FSA).
Who does the scheme apply to?
All food businesses e.g. restaurants, takeaways, cafes, sandwich shops, food retailers, supermarkets etc.
When are businesses rated?
Businesses are rated as part of a programmed food hygiene inspection. The frequency of inspection varies dependant upon the risk associated with a business.
How are businesses rated?
All businesses are risk rated as part of their programmed food hygiene inspection. Three aspects of this rating give the food hygiene rating of a business. These are: hygiene standards, structure and cleanliness of the premises and how food safety is managed and documented.
What are the ratings?
A business is given one of six ratings from 0 (urgent improvements required) to 5 (very good).
Where can I find a hygiene rating for a business?
Food hygiene ratings can be found at www.food.gov.uk/ratings
Where can I find more information about the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme?
More information can be obtained from the Food Standards Agency or the leaflets below.
I operate a food business and I do not agree with my rating. What can I do?
Safeguards are built into the scheme which allows food businesses:
- To appeal if they do not agree with their rating. An appeal must be made within 14 days of receiving your rating.
- A right to reply, if improvements have been implemented since the last inspection.
- The opportunity to request a re-visit/re-inspection.
If businesses wish to use any of these safeguards, they need to apply in writing. Forms can be downloaded below.
Information about safeguards can be found from the link below.
