The message is clear.

Every food business would want an FHRS rating of 5*

When that rating arrives, if it’s a 5*, how do I keep it up?

If it is not a 5*, how do I achieve it? Either way, Upmyfoodrating can help.

Do contact us

Ratings show how well a food business is doing overall at the time of a visit from a local authority food safety officer. Ratings are typically given to places where food is supplied, sold or consumed, such as:

It is crucial for Food businesses to understand that it is their responsibility to comply with food hygiene laws at all times, thereby ensuring the safety and satisfaction of their customers.

This includes the handling, storage, preparation, and cleanliness of the food business premises and the management of food safety.


The online food hygiene rating for businesses consists of three elements. A breakdown of these three elements is available to food busineses inspected in England and Northern Ireland since April 2016 and for businesses inspected in Wales since November 2014.At the inspection, the food safety officer will check the following three elements:

How does the business manage food safety? How does it examine processes, training, and systems to ensure good hygiene? The Food Safety officer then assesses the confidence level in standards being maintained in the future.
The Local Authority Food Safety Officer’s inspection will also take account of the following factors:

The food hygiene rating scheme does not provide information on the following factors:

Exemptions: The Local Authority also inspects the businesses below; however, they are not given a rating. Businesses of low-risk to public health: for example:

Food Hygiene ratings can be found by searching for a Food Hygiene RatingYour rating may not become visible for up to 21 days. If you cannot find a rating after this period, contact your Local Authority.Do kindly bear in mind that there may be temporary differences between the rating displayed at a business and online rating for which there are valid reasons, such as the:

YOUR FOOD HYGIENE RATING EXPLAINED

0 STAR

A rating of 0 indicates urgent improvement is necessary based on the inspection findings. It signals serious risks to public health. This score can severely damage your reputation and customer trust and potentially drive customers away. It's crucial to address all issues immediately to protect your business.

1 STAR

A rating of 1 reflects major improvement needed, as determined during the inspection. To avoid losing customers and damaging your business’s image, it's important to swiftly correct the significant hygiene and safety issues identified. This rating could significantly harm your reputation, leading potential customers to choose competitors with higher standards.

2 STAR

A rating of 2 means improvement is necessary based on the inspection findings. The score may discourage customers who prioritise food hygiene, impacting your business’s appeal. While some practices are acceptable, raising your standards will help attract and retain customers who prioritise food safety.

3 STAR

A rating of 3 signifies generally satisfactory hygiene practices during the inspection. However, with some areas needing improvement, potential customers may be cautious, favoring businesses with higher ratings. Consider making the suggested improvements to enhance your business’s appeal and customer trust.

4 STAR

A rating of 4 denotes good hygiene standards observed during the inspection. While mostly compliant with legal requirements, minor improvements could further enhance customer confidence and increase business appeal.
While this is positive, addressing minor issues can further increase customer confidence and set your business apart.

5 STAR

A rating of 5 reflects excellent hygiene standards found during the inspection. This top score can significantly boost customer trust, attracting more business and distinguishing you from competitors. Maintaining this top score is key to maximizing customer trust and attracting more business, so continue upholding these high standards.

AWAITING INSPECTION

Awaiting Inspection signifies that the inspection has yet to take place; however, it is imminent.  At this stage, nothing has been determined for now concerning the hygiene, structure and management requirements. The current hygiene standards and safety levels are still to be determined, which may leave potential customers uncertain about the establishment's safety. It’s essential to prepare thoroughly, as the outcome will significantly influence customer perceptions and business success.

Learn how to prepare your business for Local Authority inspections and work towards achieving the highest food hygiene rating.

Contact us today to take a major step towards achieving excellence in food hygiene and safety.