What Food Hygiene Ratings Mean – A Complete Guide

Every food business in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is given a food hygiene rating from 0 to 5 after an inspection by their local authority. Scotland uses a separate but similar system called the Food Hygiene Information Scheme (FHIS). This guide explains exactly what each rating means and how to use them when choosing where to eat.

The Rating Scale: 0 to 5

The Food Hygiene Rating Scheme (FHRS) is run by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) in partnership with local authorities. After each inspection, the business receives one of six possible ratings:

Rating 5 – Very Good

The highest possible score. The business has excellent hygiene practices across all three areas of assessment. Very Good does not mean perfect – minor issues may still have been noted – but overall standards are high. You can browse all businesses with a rating of 5 on our site.

Rating 4 – Good

Hygiene standards are good, with only minor issues found during inspection. A rating of 4 is still well above the minimum required standard and indicates a business that takes food safety seriously.

Rating 3 – Generally Satisfactory

The business meets the basic requirements but there is room for improvement. A rating of 3 is not a cause for alarm, but it means the inspector found areas where standards could be better. Read our detailed guide on what a rating of 3 really means.

Rating 2 – Improvement Necessary

This rating indicates that the business needs to make improvements to its hygiene practices. While the business is still allowed to operate, inspectors have identified significant issues that need addressing. Find out more about whether you can trust a restaurant with a rating of 2.

Rating 1 – Major Improvement Necessary

A rating of 1 is a serious warning sign. The inspector found major problems with food hygiene at this business. The local authority will require the business to make significant changes and may carry out a follow-up inspection sooner than usual.

Rating 0 – Urgent Improvement Necessary

The lowest possible score. A rating of 0 means the inspector found urgent food safety problems that pose a risk to public health. In some cases, enforcement action may be taken. Read about what happens when a restaurant gets a 0. You can view the current list of zero-rated businesses.

What Are the Three Inspection Areas?

The overall rating is based on three separate scores assessed during the inspection:

1. Hygienic Food Handling – How food is prepared, cooked, reheated, cooled and stored. This includes temperature controls and prevention of cross-contamination.
2. Structural Compliance – The physical condition of the premises, including cleanliness, layout, lighting, ventilation, and pest control.
3. Confidence in Management – Whether the business has proper food safety procedures in place, including documentation, staff training, and a track record of compliance.

Each area is scored separately, and the overall rating reflects the worst of the three. This means a business could have excellent food handling but receive a low overall rating if its management systems are poor. Learn more about what the three inspection scores really mean.

Who Carries Out Inspections?

Inspections are carried out by Environmental Health Officers (EHOs) employed by local authorities. They are trained professionals who visit food businesses to assess hygiene standards. The frequency of inspections depends on the risk level of the business – higher-risk businesses are inspected more often. Read our guide on how often food businesses are inspected.

Is the Rating Displayed at the Business?

In England, businesses are not legally required to display their rating, although most do. In Wales and Northern Ireland, it is a legal requirement to display the rating sticker where customers can see it. Learn more about the rating sticker on your restaurant door.

Can a Business Appeal Its Rating?

Yes. If a business disagrees with its rating, it can appeal to the local authority within 21 days. The business can also request a re-inspection if it has made improvements since the last visit. However, the local authority is not obligated to carry out a re-inspection immediately.

How to Check a Business Rating

You can search for any food business in the UK on our homepage, explore the interactive map, or find ratings near your location. All our data comes directly from the Food Standards Agency and is updated regularly.