If you run a food business in Wales, you must display your food hygiene rating where customers can see it. This has been a legal requirement since 28 November 2013 under the Food Hygiene Rating (Wales) Act 2013. Wales was the first country in the UK to make display mandatory.
Unlike England and Scotland, where display is voluntary, failing to show your rating in Wales is a criminal offence. Your local authority can issue a fixed penalty notice or prosecute you. The obligation applies to your physical premises and any online presence you use for food orders.
This guide covers everything you need to do to comply, from displaying your sticker at the right location to meeting online display rules. If you have not yet received a rating, you must display an "awaiting inspection" notice instead.
What the law requires
The Act creates two display obligations: one for your physical premises and one for your online presence. Both carry the same penalties for non-compliance.
Physical display at your premises
You must display the official food hygiene rating sticker issued by your local authority. The sticker must be placed at a conspicuous location at each entrance used by customers, so that it is visible to anyone entering or considering entering the premises.
Online display requirements
If your food business has any online presence where customers can place food orders, you must also display your current rating there. This includes your own website, social media pages used for food ordering, and third-party delivery platforms.
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1. Display your official rating sticker at each customer entrance
Place the sticker issued by your local authority at a conspicuous point at every entrance used by customers. It must be visible before they enter the premises. Do not use photocopies, home-made versions, or stickers from a previous rating. If your sticker is damaged or lost, contact your local authority for a replacement.
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2. Display your rating on your website and social media
If you have a website, social media page, or listing on a delivery platform where customers can order food, display your current rating prominently. The Food Standards Agency provides official digital assets you can download from the FHRS website. You must show your current rating, not a previous higher one.
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3. Check third-party platforms show your correct rating
If you sell food through Just Eat, Deliveroo, Uber Eats, or similar platforms, check that your listing shows your current rating. These platforms have their own obligations under the Act, but you should verify the information is correct and up to date.
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4. Update your display after any new rating
When you receive a new rating after an inspection or re-rating visit, replace your old sticker and update all online displays immediately. Displaying an old, higher rating is an offence.
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5. Display an 'awaiting inspection' notice if you are a new business
If you have registered but not yet received your first inspection, display an "awaiting inspection" notice at each entrance. Your local authority will provide this. You are not exempt from the display requirement simply because you have not been inspected yet.
Exemptions
Most food businesses in Wales must display their rating, but a small number of categories are exempt. Check whether any exemption applies to your business before assuming you must display.
What happens if you do not display
Your local authority enforces the display requirement. If an authorised officer finds that you are not displaying your rating, the authority can take enforcement action.
If you disagree with your rating
You still must display your current rating even if you believe it is wrong. However, you have three options to challenge or improve it:
- Appeal -- if you think the rating is factually wrong or the inspection process was flawed, you can appeal to your local authority within 21 days of receiving the rating.
- Right of reply -- you can submit a written statement explaining your view, which will be published on the FHRS website alongside your rating.
- Request a re-rating -- if you have made improvements since the inspection, you can request a re-rating visit at any time. Your local authority will charge a fee for this.
For full details on each of these options, see How to appeal your food hygiene rating in Wales.
What to do next
If you are setting up a new food business in Wales, register with your local authority at least 28 days before you start trading. After registration, your first inspection will be arranged and you will receive your rating.
If you already have a rating, check that your physical sticker and all online displays show your current rating. If anything is missing or out of date, correct it immediately to avoid enforcement action.