Why your food hygiene rating matters more than ever

In England, displaying food hygiene ratings remains voluntary, unlike in Wales and Northern Ireland, where it is a legal requirement. However, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) has been actively studying the implications of introducing mandatory display in England, and recent findings suggest growing support for such a move.

The Food Hygiene Rating Scheme (FHRS), operated by the FSA in partnership with local authorities, rates food businesses from 0 (urgent improvement necessary) to 5 (very good). While English businesses are not legally required to display their rating, doing so can significantly enhance consumer trust and business reputation.

Why displaying the correct rating matters

Displaying a current and accurate hygiene rating is a mark of transparency and professionalism. A high rating can attract more customers, while failure to display any rating may raise doubts. Importantly, displaying an outdated or incorrect rating – even unintentionally – can mislead customers and potentially damage a business’s credibility.

FSA research on mandatory display

The FSA’s 2024 technical report, based on a covert audit and business survey, found that almost three-quarters of English food businesses were voluntarily displaying their hygiene rating, the highest rate since monitoring began.

Furthermore, a significant 85 per cent of English businesses surveyed supported the idea of mandatory display, citing benefits such as increased customer trust and a level playing field across the industry.

The research also revealed that businesses with higher ratings were more likely to support mandatory display, seeing it as a competitive advantage. Those opposed often cited concerns about fairness in inspections or the administrative burden of compliance.

Advice to businesses

1. Stay informed: monitor updates from the FSA and local authorities regarding potential regulatory changes.
2. Be transparent: voluntarily displaying your rating – especially if it’s high – can boost customer confidence.
3. Update promptly: always remove outdated stickers and replace them with the most recent rating after re-inspection. If a business displays their rating online it must be changed/ updated to reflect the new score.
4. Prepare for change: with strong business and public support, mandatory display in England may soon become a reality.

While not yet a legal requirement, displaying the correct food hygiene rating is a best practice that benefits both businesses and consumers. Proactive compliance now can position businesses well for future regulatory shifts.

Source: Food Hygiene Rating Scheme Audit of Display and Business Survey: 2024 Technical Report