Food hygiene

What your hygiene rating means

Your sticker shows customers how well you keep food safe.

Clean HandsFood safety in your language
1

The scale

From 0
to 5

  • 5 means hygiene standards are very good
  • 3 means standards are generally satisfactory
  • 0 means urgent improvement is necessary

Why? Customers can check your rating online before they buy from you.

2

Handling

How food
is handled

  • How you prepare and cook food
  • How you reheat and cool food
  • How you store food

Why? Safe handling stops germs getting into food.

3

Building

Clean and
in repair

  • How clean and tidy the kitchen is
  • Layout, lighting, air flow and facilities
  • How you keep pests out

Why? A clean building in good repair is easier to keep safe.

4

Management

Records and
training

  • Written food safety procedures
  • Staff training
  • Records of safety checks

Why? To get the top rating, you must do well in all three areas.

Not a 5?

You can ask for a new visit.Make the changes first. Send your council proof, such as photos. Most councils charge for this.

Disagree?

You can appeal.Do it within 21 days of getting your rating. Talk to the officer first.