EnglishWhy is it important and how it is operated
The scheme helps consumers to choose where to eat out or shop for food by giving clear information about the businesses’ hygiene standards. A high food hygiene rating score gives confidence boost for the food business, and is a major decision factor for consumers to choose between competing businesses.
Each business is inspected by a food safety officer from the local authority to determine if food hygiene law is followed, if food is safe to eat and to give the inspection rating.
If a business is taken over by a new management, the previous food hygiene rating will be withdrawn, and a new inspection will take place to award a new rating.
Food safety officers have the right to enter and inspect any premises, and usually proceed without having to give notice.
The rating can be checked on the Food Standard Agency (FSA) website (http://ratings.food.gov.uk/) or from the food hygiene rating app. Each business will also receive a certificate of the inspection and a letter and sticker to be displayed within the premises for the consumers to see.
Businesses in England do not have to display their rating at their premises at the moment, but are encouraged to do so.
Businesses in Wales and Northern Ireland are legally required to display their ratings in a prominent place, such as the front door, entrance or window of the business. All businesses must provide information on their rating verbally if requested in person or over the phone.
Takeaways in Wales must include a bilingual statement on menu leaflets and flyers which tells consumers how to find details of their ratings on the FSA website.