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What Do Food Hygiene Ratings Mean?

Food hygiene ratings range from 0 (Urgent Improvement Necessary) to 5 (Very Good). The rating is given by local authority food safety officers following an inspection of the business. The rating reflects the hygiene standards found at the time of the inspection across three areas:

• Hygienic food handling — preparation, cooking, reheating, cooling, and storage
• Condition of the building — cleanliness, layout, lighting, ventilation, and pest control
• Management of food safety — processes, training, and record-keeping to ensure good hygiene is maintained

Currently, 77.9% of FHRS-rated food businesses in the UK hold a rating of 5 (Very Good). Scotland uses a separate scheme called the Food Hygiene Information Scheme (FHIS), which rates businesses as “Pass” or “Improvement Required”.