The Food Hygiene Rating Scheme (FHRS) helps consumers choose where to eat out or where to order food from. The scheme gives you information about the hygiene standards in restaurants, pubs, cafés, takeaways and supermarkets at the time they are inspected by authorised officers from the Food & Safety team.
It's not easy to judge hygiene standards on appearance alone, so the rating gives you an idea of what's going on in the kitchen, or behind closed doors. You can check the ratings and use the information to switch to or choose a place with higher standards. It's also good to share this information with friends and family. The scheme also encourages businesses to improve hygiene standards.
This scheme is run in partnership with the Food Standards Agency.
Please note that scores are awarded on the points below and are not rated on the quality of the food the business produces.
How is a hygiene rating worked out?
An authorised Food Safety Officer will inspect businesses to check they meet the requirements of food hygiene law. During the inspection, the officer will check:
- food hygiene and safety procedures - how food is prepared, cooked, re-heated, cooled and stored
- the structure of the premises - cleanliness, layout, lighting, ventilation
- management and control procedures - how the business manages its procedures to ensure food is safe
The standards found at the time of the inspection are then scored. At the bottom of the scale is '0'; this means urgent improvement is required. At the top of the scale is '5'; this means the hygiene standards are very good.
Where can I get further information?
View frequently asked questions about the food hygiene rating scheme.
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