At present, only food businesses in Wales and Northern Ireland are legally required to display their food hygiene ratings. However, this could be set to change if the Local Government Association’s proposals are implemented.

The Local Government Association wants the Government to use Brexit to toughen up food hygiene laws by extending the mandatory display of Food Hygiene Ratings to England.

Local authorities believe that requiring a food business to display its score, good or bad, will raise standards, improve consumer confidence and reduce the need for enforcement action by local authorities.

Few food businesses who are given a low score choose to display it, leaving consumers unaware of the food hygiene standards at the premises. In England only 43% of businesses displayed the rating whilst in London only 32% of food businesses chose to reveal their score. The figure fell to 12% for food businesses that received a rating between 0 and 2.

Food businesses are advised to review their systems and procedures now to ensure that they are ready for their next inspection by the local authority that is responsible for their food hygiene rating.  As food businesses in Wales have discovered, a low score is likely to have a significant negative effect on business.

Should you or your business face food hygiene enforcement action by a local authority, or receive a low Food Hygiene Rating, call our specialist Regulatory and Licensing Partner, James Lowe, on 07833 240400.