How is the Food Hygiene Rating Score calculated?

The FHRS is calculated by Environmental Health Officers across three categories: Hygiene Compliance (0-25 points), Structural Compliance (0-25 points), and Confidence in Management (0-30 points). The total score maps to a rating from 0-5, but individual category caps can pull the overall rating down even if the total score qualifies for higher.

What is the category cap rule in FHRS scoring?

The category cap rule means that even if your total score qualifies for a higher rating, a poor score in any single category can limit your overall rating. For example, to achieve a rating of 5, no category can score more than 5 points. If your Confidence in Management scores 20 but your other categories are perfect, your rating would be capped at 2.

What is Confidence in Management and why does it matter?

Confidence in Management is the third FHRS scoring category (worth up to 30 points) and assesses your food safety management system (SFBB/HACCP), staff training, track record, and attitude to compliance. Many businesses score poorly here because they lack proper documentation or their systems are not actively implemented.

How can I improve my Food Hygiene Rating?

Focus on the three FHRS categories: 1) Hygiene - implement temperature monitoring, cross-contamination controls, and proper food handling procedures. 2) Structural - maintain clean, well-repaired premises with adequate facilities. 3) Management - have a complete SFBB or HACCP system that is actively used, train all staff, and keep good records.

Free Assessment

Predict Your Food Hygiene Rating Before the Inspector Arrives

Answer honest questions about your premises, procedures, and paperwork — get your predicted FHRS score with a specific action plan to improve it.

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Hygiene Compliance

How food is handled, prepared, cooked, and stored

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Structural Compliance

Physical condition of premises, equipment, and facilities

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Confidence in Management

Food safety management systems, training, and track record

⏱️ 10-15 minutes📊 Instant results🔒 No login required

Based on the official Food Standards Agency scoring methodology

How the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme Works

The Food Hygiene Rating Scheme (FHRS) is the official system used by local authorities in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland to rate food businesses. Every restaurant, cafe, pub, takeaway, hotel, and food retailer is inspected by Environmental Health Officers (EHOs) and given a rating from 0 to 5.

Your rating is publicly displayed on your premises and on the Food Standards Agency website. A low score can damage your reputation and drive customers away, while a 5-star rating builds trust and confidence.

The Three FHRS Scoring Categories

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Hygiene Compliance (0-25)

How food is handled, prepared, cooked, and stored. Temperature control, cross-contamination prevention, personal hygiene, and cleaning practices.

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Structural Compliance (0-25)

Physical condition of premises: cleanliness, layout, lighting, ventilation, equipment condition, pest control, and waste management.

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Confidence in Management (0-30)

Your food safety management system (SFBB/HACCP), track record, staff training, supervision, and attitude to compliance.

The Category Cap Rule

This is the most misunderstood part of FHRS scoring. Even if your total score qualifies for a higher rating, a poor score in any single category can pull your overall rating down.

Example: A business scores A=5, B=5, C=20 (total 30). The total would normally qualify for a rating of 3. But the C score of 20 exceeds the cap of 10 for a rating of 3, so the rating is limited to 2.

This is why Confidence in Management is often the category that lets businesses down — and exactly what this predictor helps you identify.

Frequently Asked Questions

How accurate is this predictor?

This tool uses the official FHRS scoring methodology. However, it is a self-assessment based on your honest answers. Actual EHO inspections involve physical examination of your premises and may identify issues you were not aware of.

What if I score poorly?

That is exactly why this tool is valuable — better to know now than be surprised by the inspector. The detailed improvement report shows you exactly what to fix, prioritised by impact.

How long does the assessment take?

Most users complete it in 10-15 minutes. There are 25 questions across three categories, plus a few business context questions at the start.

Is my data kept private?

Your answers are processed locally in your browser. We only store your results if you choose to submit your email for the detailed report. We never share data with local authorities.

Ready to predict your rating?