Food Hygiene Rating Scheme

The Food Hygiene Rating Scheme provides a rating from 0 to 5 to food businesses following a food hygiene inspection. The Food Standards Agency runs the scheme in partnership with local councils who carry out the inspections.

Ratings are a snapshot of the standards of food hygiene found in the business at the time of inspection. These standards cover:

• handling of food
• how the food is stored and prepared
• cleanliness of facilities
• how food safety is managed

Ratings are typically given to places where food is supplied, sold or consumed, such as:

• restaurants, pubs and cafes
• takeaways, food vans and stalls
• hotels and canteens
• supermarkets and other retail food outlets
• other places where consumers can eat or buy food 

Businesses in Northern Ireland must display their hygiene rating sticker at or near each entrance for their customers to see.

This guide explains how the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme works, including what the ratings mean and how you must display and promote your food hygiene rating.