Food Hygiene Rating Scheme (FHRS)
The UK system that rates food businesses from 0 to 5 based on hygiene standards found during EHO inspections.
The Food Hygiene Rating Scheme (FHRS) is run by local authorities in partnership with the Food Standards Agency. It gives food businesses a hygiene rating from 0 (urgent improvement necessary) to 5 (very good) based on the findings of an Environmental Health Officer inspection. Ratings are published on the FSA website and must be displayed in Wales and Northern Ireland. In England, display is voluntary but most businesses do so because customers increasingly check ratings before visiting. The scheme covers any business that supplies food to the public, including restaurants, cafes, pubs, hotels, takeaways, supermarkets, and other food retailers.
Key Points
- Ratings range from 0 (urgent improvement) to 5 (very good)
- Based on three areas: food handling, premises condition, and management
- The management score has the most influence on the overall rating
- Display is mandatory in Wales and Northern Ireland, voluntary in England
- Businesses can request a paid rescore visit if standards have improved
How Ratings Are Calculated
EHO inspectors assess three areas during an inspection, each scored on a scale. The first area is hygienic food handling, covering preparation, cooking, reheating, cooling, and storage. The second is the condition of the structure of the building, including cleanliness, layout, lighting, ventilation, and pest control. The third is management of food safety, which includes your food safety management system (HACCP/SFBB), staff training records, and the confidence the inspector has in your management. Each area receives a score, and these are combined to produce the overall rating. The management score is particularly influential because it reflects whether good practices are likely to be maintained.
What Each Rating Means
A rating of 5 means hygiene standards are very good and the inspector found only minor or no issues. A rating of 4 means standards are good with only small improvements needed. A rating of 3 means standards are generally satisfactory. A rating of 2 means some improvement is necessary. A rating of 1 means major improvement is necessary, and a rating of 0 means urgent improvement is required. Businesses with a rating of 0 or 1 may face enforcement action including Hygiene Improvement Notices or even closure.
Requesting a Rescore
If you believe your food hygiene standards have improved since your last inspection, you can request a rescore visit from your local authority. This is a paid service (typically £150-£200) and is available in England. The local authority will arrange a new inspection and if your standards have improved, your rating will be updated. You should only request a rescore when you are confident that all issues from the previous inspection have been resolved and you have evidence of sustained compliance, ideally at least four to six weeks of documented records.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often are food hygiene inspections carried out?
The frequency depends on the risk level of the business. High-risk businesses (those with previous low ratings or complex operations) may be inspected every 6 months. Standard-risk businesses are typically inspected every 12-18 months. Low-risk businesses may only be inspected every 2-3 years. Inspections are usually unannounced.
Can you appeal a food hygiene rating?
Yes. If you disagree with your rating, you have 21 days from the date of the inspection to lodge an appeal with your local authority. The appeal will be reviewed by a senior officer who was not involved in the original inspection. You can also apply for a rescore visit if you have made improvements.
Do food hygiene ratings expire?
Ratings do not have a formal expiry date. Your rating remains in place until your next scheduled inspection, which could be anywhere from 6 months to 3 years depending on your risk category. The date of the last inspection is always displayed alongside the rating.
Is it illegal to hide a bad food hygiene rating?
In Wales and Northern Ireland, it is a legal requirement to display your rating sticker in a prominent place. Failure to do so can result in a fixed penalty notice. In England, display is currently voluntary, but many local authorities strongly encourage it and the law may change.
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