Food Hygiene Rating Scheme
What do the different ratings mean?
If you serve or supply food direct to the public, you may be covered by the food hygiene rating scheme.
When your business is inspected you will be given one of the following hygiene ratings:
| Food hygiene rating | Rating description |
|---|---|
| 5 | Hygiene standards are very good |
| 4 | Hygiene standards are good |
| 3 | Hygiene standards are generally satisfactory |
| 2 | Some improvement is necessary |
| 1 | Major improvement is necessary |
| 0 | Urgent improvement is required |
You can display your rating on a sticker at your business or banner for your website.
For further information on food law inspections and to check a businesses food hygiene rating please go to the Food Standards Agency website (opens new window).
If you are unhappy with your rating
Appeals process
If you think that the hygiene rating you have been given does not reflect the standards at the time of the inspection you can make an appeal.
To start an appeal process, please contact the officer who gave you the rating. They will be able to advise you why they gave the score they did. If you are still not satisfied and want to appeal, you must submit this within 21 days of the date of your inspection.
Appeal your food hygiene rating
Right to reply
You also have a right to reply to your rating. This is different from an appeal. It allows you to tell potential customers how the business has improved hygiene, or to say if there were unusual circumstances at the time of your inspection. We will publish your right to reply online along with your hygiene rating.
Right to reply to your food hygiene rating
Revisits process
If you make all the improvements in your inspection report, you can ask us to revisit before your next inspection. We will assess your business again to consider giving you a new food hygiene rating.
Request a food hygiene rating revisit
Food Hygiene Rating Scheme stickers
Additional or replacement food hygiene rating scheme stickers can be ordered. The sticker or stickers sent to you will reflect the current food hygiene rating for your premises.
The fee per sticker is £15.
Share this page
