Food, Drink & Hospitality Food, hospitality and tourism

Food Hygiene Rating Scheme

Understand the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme and display your rating.

UK-wide
Guide summary

Display your Food Hygiene Rating sticker where customers can see it. Check your rating online within 14 days of inspection. Request a re-rating if you improve hygiene standards.

  • Display your FHRS sticker (mandatory in Wales/NI)
  • Check your rating on the FSA website within 14 days
  • Request re-inspection after completing improvements
  • Appeal within 21 days if rating is wrong
  • England: free re-rating once between inspections
  • England: pay for extra re-rating inspections
  • Wales/NI: pay for all re-rating inspections
  • Scotland uses Pass/Improvement Required system
  • Inspections every 6 months to 3 years (by risk)
  • Rating based on food handling, cleanliness and safety checks
On this page
UK-wide

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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.

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.

  1. 1

    Display your rating

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

  2. 2

    Check your rating online

    You receive written notification of your rating within 14 days of inspection; the rating is published on the FSA website typically within 28 days.

  3. 3

    Request re-inspection

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

  4. 4

    Appeal if incorrect

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