The Food Hygiene Rating Scheme (FHRS) gives food businesses a rating based on Environmental Health Officer inspections. Your rating affects customer confidence and, in some nations, must be displayed by law.

Food Hygiene Rating Scales (FHRS & FHIS)

Food hygiene rating systems across the UK: FHRS 0-5 scale (England, Wales, NI) and FHIS Pass/Improvement (Scotland). Updated 2025.

The UK operates two food hygiene rating systems. England, Wales, and Northern Ireland use the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme (FHRS) with a 0-5 scale. Scotland uses the Food Hygiene Information Scheme (FHIS) with a Pass/Improvement Required system.

FHRS Rating 5: Very good hygiene standards
FHRS Rating 4: Good hygiene standards
FHRS Rating 3: Generally satisfactory
FHRS Rating 2: Some improvement necessary
FHRS Rating 1: Major improvement necessary
FHRS Rating 0: Urgent improvement required
FHIS Pass: Meets legal requirements (Scotland)
FHIS Improvement Required: Does not meet legal requirements (Scotland)
Display - Wales: Mandatory since 28 November 2013 (94% compliance)
Display - Northern Ireland: Mandatory since 7 October 2016 (90% compliance)
Display - England: Voluntary (72% compliance in 2024)
Display - Scotland: Voluntary

Inspection frequency

Local authorities inspect food businesses based on risk category:

Category A (highest risk): At least every 6 months
Category B: At least every 12 months
Category C: At least every 18 months
Category D: At least every 24 months
Category E: At least every 3 years

What inspectors assess

During an inspection, Environmental Health Officers evaluate three main areas:

Hygienic food handling: Preparation, cooking, re-heating, cooling and storage
Cleanliness and condition: Cleanliness, layout, lighting, ventilation and facilities
Management of food safety: System or checks to ensure food is safe, staff training

Each area is scored and combined to produce your overall rating. Inspectors will also check your HACCP or SFBB documentation and training records.

Display your rating

Display your FHRS sticker prominently (mandatory in Wales/NI).
Check your rating online

Your rating is published on the FSA website within 14 days of inspection.
Request re-inspection

If you've made improvements, you can request a re-rating visit.
Appeal if incorrect

You have 21 days to appeal the rating if you believe it is incorrect.

Request FHRS Re-rating Inspection

Process for requesting a re-rating inspection after making hygiene improvements, including regional fee variations and eligibility requirements.

Businesses that have made hygiene improvements since their last inspection may request a re-rating inspection. Current rating acceptance and completion of all recommended hygiene improvements is required before requesting re-rating.

Eligibility: Available only if you did not receive a rating of 5 and have accepted your current rating
Improvement requirement: All recommended hygiene improvements must be completed before requesting re-rating
England - free service: Maximum one re-rating between planned inspections; 3-month wait before inspection typically begins
England - paid service: Fees vary by local authority; unlimited requests allowed; 3-month timeframe expected
Wales and Northern Ireland: All local authorities charge statutory fees; unlimited requests permitted
Result notification: Within 14 days of re-rating inspection
Rating outcome: New rating may increase, decrease, or stay the same

Business Context Testing

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Food Hygiene Rating Scheme

What inspectors assess

Display your rating

Check your rating online

Request re-inspection

Appeal if incorrect

Compliance Assistant

🧪 Business Context Testing

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What inspectors assess

Display your rating

Check your rating online

Request re-inspection

Appeal if incorrect

Related guides in Food Business Registration

Business Context Testing

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