The Food Standards Agency (FSA) operates a food hygiene rating system in the United Kingdom. The system is designed to inform consumers about the food hygiene handling standards of food businesses. Ratings are awarded on a scale from 0 to five, with five being the highest rating. A business can be given a rating of zero if it does not meet the required standard, regardless of how good its hygiene practices may be otherwise.
The FSA began issuing ratings in January 2009. As of July 2017, over 340,000 businesses with ratings are displayed on the FSA website. The majority of these (97%) had a rating of three or higher. Only 0.02% had a rating of zero.
The food hygiene rating system is one of a number of ways that the FSA aims to improve food hygiene. It is not the only way that businesses can be assessed, and a business may be given a rating of five even if it does not meet all of the criteria for that rating. The system is designed to give a broad overview of the hygiene standards in a business, and ratings are based on inspections carried out by local authorities.
The food hygiene rating system is voluntary, and businesses are not required to display their rating. However, businesses that do not display their rating may be subject to enforcement action from their local authority.
There are a few things that you can do in order to get the highest food hygiene rating possible. The first is to make sure that your kitchen is always clean and organised. This means having proper storage for food, cleaning all surfaces regularly, and taking care of any pests or other issues that may arise.
You should also make sure that your employees are properly trained in food safety and hygiene. In addition, they should know how to handle and prepare food safely, as well as what to do in the event of a contamination incident.
Finally, be sure to follow all of the relevant health and safety regulations governing the preparation and sale of food. This includes everything from safe cooking temperatures to hand-washing protocols. By following these guidelines, you can be sure that your business will have a high food hygiene rating.
How to Use Food Hygiene Rating System to Find The Best Places to Eat?
When looking for a place to eat, it is a good idea to check the establishment’s food hygiene rating. This can be done online or by contacting the local health department. The higher the rating, the better the food hygiene at that business is likely to be.
There are a few things to keep in mind when looking at food hygiene ratings. First, businesses with a rating of four or five may still have some areas that need improvement. Second, businesses with a rating of three may have some major violations but are generally safe to eat at.
Finally, businesses with a rating of two or lower should be avoided.
Conclusion
Food hygiene rating stickers are a great way to keep your food safe. By understanding the different ratings and what they mean, you can make sure that you’re eating food that is clean and safe. Make sure to check the sticker before purchasing any food to ensure that it meets your standards!
