This can result in prosecutions, significant financial costs and reputational damage. In extreme cases, it could result in the closure of the business. When scoring a 5 on a food hygiene rating, this means that the standards are very good and the business is complying with the law set by the FSA after scoring between 0 and 15 points on their inspection. chilled and frozen foods are kept at the right temperature (some businesses use cool bags and boxes, or refrigerated vans) Most people would wish to avoid purchasing and eating food from a business where there is a risk of food poisoning and other food safety-related harm. But, how do we, as consumers, avoid those with poor food safety and hygiene standards? One way is to look for a business’s food hygiene rating or score.

By law, food business operators must ensure that food handlers receive the appropriate supervision and training in food hygiene, which is in-line with the area they work in and will enable them to handle food in the safest way. In the UK, food handlers don't have to hold a food hygiene certificate to prepare or sell food.

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This protects customers with a food allergy. We have further guidance available on how to provide allergen information in food delivery. If your business has received a lower score on food hygiene, following the protocols that have been advised by your inspector will also help ensure you gain a higher rating on the next inspection. How to Get a Food Hygiene Rating Certificate There are a few ways to ensure that you achieve a 5-star rating; ensuring you maintain a food storage system, attention to cleanliness, staff training, up-to-date records of food processes, and hygienic food preparation are all ways that will help work towards a higher score. To get the top rating, businesses must do well in all three elements which are referenced above. If the top rating is not given, the officer will explain to the business the necessary actions they can take to improve their hygiene rating.

The best rating you can achieve on the food hygiene rating scale is a 5. This is the highest rating and indicates that hygiene standards are excellent and that the business complies with all food safety laws, which means that no further improvements are needed in the establishment's food hygiene processes. How long do you have to appeal a food hygiene rating? C10A. Why do you say it would be a bad thing? Base: FBOs who think it would not be a good thing if it was a legal requirement to display FHRS in England (61). Attitudes towards mandatory display online If the officer finds that a business’s hygiene standards are very poor and there is an imminent risk to public health, when food may be unsafe to eat, the officer must act to ensure consumers are protected. This could result in stopping part of the business or closing it down completely until it is safe to recommence. Frequency of inspectionsIf you aim to have fewer inspections, it is important that your business remains up to date with all food safety laws and hygiene standards. Summary

Good food hygiene is essential to make sure that the food you serve is safe to eat. When you are setting up a food business, you need to introduce ways of working that will help you ensure hygiene standards are right from the start. We have free online food safety training courses for businesses, including allergen training. Personal hygieneTo keep food safe, it is essential for you and your staff to have high standards of personal hygiene. The vast majority of food businesses in Northern Ireland and Wales (96% of each) were aware that it is a legal requirement to have their food hygiene rating publicly on display. The level of awareness remains in line with previous years, with no significant differences between key sub-groups.