UK Business Displays of Food Hygiene Rating Scheme Scores Continue to Increase
In 2022, two-thirds of business in England and nine of ten businesses in Northern Ireland and Wales had their food hygiene ratings on visible display, according to an audit by the UK Food Safety Authority (FSA). Businesses that did not visibly display their ratings attributed the decision to a range of reasons, including having nowhere suitable to show the sticker and having never received a sticker.
Under the UK Food Hygiene Rating Scheme (FHRS), places where food is supplied, sold, or consumed are given a rating ranging from 0 to 5, with 5 indicating “very good” food hygiene and 0 indicating “urgent improvement necessary.” In Wales and Northern Ireland, businesses have been legally required to display their food hygiene rating sticker in a prominent place like the front door, entrance, or window of the business since 2013 and 2016 respectively. Businesses in England do not have to display their rating at their premises but are encouraged to do so. Across England, Northern Ireland, and Wales, food hygiene ratings are also available to search on the FSA FHRS website.