Most food businesses are inspected by us and given a food hygiene rating.
The ratings, from 0 to 5, reflect how well a business meets food hygiene laws, with '0' indicating 'urgent improvement necessary' and '5' meaning 'very good'.
Businesses may display their score on a window sticker, but this is not compulsory. See how the Food Hygiene Scheme works for businesses for more details.
Check local ratings using the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme website, run in partnership with the Food Standards Agency (FSA).
Types of food business included in the scheme
Most food businesses that supply food directly to the consumer are included in the scheme including:
- restaurants, cafés and takeaways
- shops, delicatessens and supermarkets
- care homes, hotels and pubs
Businesses not included in the scheme are those that hold personal information, for example a child minder. These businesses will have the opportunity to opt into the scheme if they wish.
Some businesses are still included in our food hygiene inspection programme even though they may not be part of the hygiene rating scheme. These premises include those selling only low risk-food, and manufacturers who do not supply food directly to the consumer.
Food hygiene rating scheme disclaimer
The food hygiene rating does not reflect the quality of food or the standard of service provided to customers.
It is not an endorsement of current standards but merely reflects the score we awarded a premises at the time of their inspection. We try very hard to make sure the information is correct.
The food hygiene rating scheme adheres to the FSA's brand standard.