The Food Hygiene Rating Scheme is a national program operated by Knowsley Council to help consumers make informed decisions about where to eat out or shop for food. The scheme also encourages businesses to maintain high hygiene standards.
How the scheme works
Food hygiene ratings are based on inspections conducted by Environmental Health Officers. The ratings are based on three factors:
- Food safety practices and procedures
- Structure and cleaning
- Confidence in management
Businesses included in the scheme
Only businesses that directly supply the public with food are included in the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme. Examples of such businesses include most food shops, cafes, restaurants, takeaways, and pubs.
Rating system
Food hygiene ratings range from 5 (Very good) to 0 (Urgent improvement required). Scores are published on the national Food Hygiene Website. Businesses are also provided with a sticker outlining their rating.
Displaying ratings
While it is not currently a legal requirement to display a food hygiene rating sticker in England, businesses are encouraged to do so. If a food business does display a rating sticker, it must display the most recent hygiene rating.
Right to appeal
Businesses have the right to appeal against a food hygiene rating if they disagree with it.
They are encouraged to first discuss the rating informally with the inspecting officer.
If the business is still unsatisfied, they can lodge a formal appeal within 21 days of being informed of the rating.
Right to reply
Business owners or managers also have a "right to reply."
This means they can submit an explanation of how the business has improved hygiene or to describe any unusual circumstances at the time of the inspection.
The business's right to reply will be published online by the Council alongside the business's hygiene rating.
Request for reinspection
Businesses can request a reinspection if they have made significant improvements to their hygiene standards. There is a charge for this service.
Please note that if standards have deteriorated, the rating can go down.
Additional information
For more information about the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme, please visit the Food Standards Agency website.
Documents
Appeal form
Right to reply form
Return to
Environmental Health Service
Knowsley Council
2nd Floor
Municipal Building
Archway Road
Huyton
Knowsley
L36 9YU