The UK hygiene ratings, also known as the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme (FHRS), assess the hygiene standards of food businesses, but how do you feel? Where do you draw the line?
0 - Urgent Improvement Necessary: This rating is given when the food safety officer finds that the business fails to meet many (or all) of the required hygiene standards. There might be a significant risk to public health. Immediate corrective actions are required, and follow-up inspections are typically conducted to ensure compliance.
1 - Major Improvement Necessary: Businesses with this rating have major non-compliance issues concerning food hygiene, safety procedures, or structural conditions. There are likely to be several breaches of food safety legislation, which need substantial improvement.
2 - Improvement Necessary: This score is given when there is a failure to meet some important standards. The business must make improvements in areas like food handling, cleanliness, or facilities. While not as critical as scores 0 or 1, compliance issues still need addressing.
3 - Generally Satisfactory: A business receiving this score generally meets the standards of food hygiene law but may show some inconsistencies or minor issues that need attention. It’s generally compliant with some room for improvement in handling, cleanliness, or structural standards.
4 - Good: Businesses with a score of 4 are compliant with food hygiene laws and demonstrate good management and handling practices. There may be some minor areas that could be better, but these do not significantly compromise the overall hygiene standards.
5 - Very Good: This is the highest rating and is awarded to businesses that achieve very high standards of food safety and hygiene. These businesses fully comply with the law, showing excellent management of food safety risks, cleanliness, and structural requirements.
These ratings help consumers choose where to eat out or shop for food by providing a clear indication of a business’s hygiene standards. Businesses are encouraged to display their hygiene rating sticker where it can easily be seen by potential customers.
To find a hygiene rating, use this link: https://ratings.food.gov.uk/
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