Food Hygiene Blog
Guides, ratings explained, data analysis and tips for eating safely in the UK.
What Food Hygiene Ratings Mean – A Complete Guide
Understand the UK food hygiene rating system from 0 to 5. Learn what each score means, how ratings are awarded, and what to look for before eating out.
How Food Hygiene Inspections Work in the UK
A step-by-step guide to how food hygiene inspections are carried out in the UK, from arrival to rating publication.
Food Hygiene Rating 3 – Should You Be Worried?
A rating of 3 means 'Generally Satisfactory'. Find out what this means in practice, whether it's safe to eat there, and what issues were likely found.
The Difference Between FHRS (England/Wales) and FHIS (Scotland)
England, Wales and Northern Ireland use the FHRS 0-5 scale. Scotland uses the FHIS pass/fail system. Learn how these two schemes differ.
How Can a Business Improve Its Food Hygiene Rating?
Practical steps food businesses can take to improve their hygiene rating, from management systems to requesting a re-inspection.
What the Three Inspection Scores Really Mean
Every food hygiene inspection scores three areas: hygiene, structure and management. Learn what each score means and how they determine the overall rating.
Food Hygiene Ratings Near Me – How to Check Before You Eat
How to quickly find food hygiene ratings for restaurants and takeaways near your current location using our interactive tools.
Zero-Rated Restaurants: What Happens After a Rating of 0?
A food hygiene rating of 0 means 'Urgent Improvement Necessary'. Learn what happens next, whether the business closes, and how to check the current list.
The UK's Cleanest and Dirtiest Areas for Food Hygiene
Which local authorities have the best and worst food hygiene standards? We analyse the data to find the UK's cleanest and dirtiest areas.
10 Things Your Food Inspector Looks For
What exactly does a food hygiene inspector check during a visit? Here are the 10 key areas they assess at every inspection.
Guide to Eating Safely in London
London has over 80,000 food businesses with varying hygiene standards. Here is how to navigate the city's food scene safely using hygiene ratings.
Can You Trust a Restaurant With a Rating of 2?
A food hygiene rating of 2 means 'Improvement Necessary'. Should you eat there? We look at what a 2 really means and when to be cautious.
How Often Are Food Businesses Inspected?
Food businesses are inspected on a risk-based schedule. Learn how inspection frequency is determined and what it means for the ratings you see.
Food Hygiene at Takeaways vs Restaurants – Who Scores Better?
Do restaurants have better food hygiene than takeaways? We analyse the data to compare ratings across different types of food businesses.
Understanding the Food Hygiene Rating Sticker on Your Restaurant Door
The green and black sticker on restaurant doors shows the food hygiene rating. Learn what it means, whether display is mandatory, and what to do if it's missing.