How food hygiene ratings (0 to 5) work
By the Daybook teamPublished 20 October 2026Last checked 20 October 2026
Covers: All four UK nations, with differences noted
The short answer
Food hygiene ratings run from 0 (urgent improvement necessary) to 5 (very good). Your local council gives the rating after an inspection, based on how well you meet food law in handling food, the condition of your premises, and how you manage food safety.
What each rating means
| Rating | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 5 | Very good |
| 4 | Good |
| 3 | Generally satisfactory |
| 2 | Some improvement necessary |
| 1 | Major improvement necessary |
| 0 | Urgent improvement necessary |
How the rating is decided
The officer scores three areas: how food is handled, stored and prepared; the condition and cleanliness of the premises; and how food safety is managed, including your processes, records and training. The lowest-scoring area tends to hold the overall rating down, which is why good records matter even in a spotless kitchen.
Do you have to display it?
| Nation | Scheme | Display |
|---|---|---|
| England | Food Hygiene Rating Scheme (0 to 5) | Not required by law, but encouraged |
| Wales | Food Hygiene Rating Scheme (0 to 5) | Required by law |
| Northern Ireland | Food Hygiene Rating Scheme (0 to 5) | Required by law |
| Scotland | Food Hygiene Information Scheme: Pass or Improvement Required | Certificate or sticker given; ratings are published online |
Every rating is published online, so customers can look you up whether you display it or not.
If you disagree with your rating
- Talk to the officer first, to understand the reasons.
- Appeal in writing to your council if you think the rating is wrong. Councils commonly give 21 days from the date you’re notified.
- Use the right to reply to publish your side, or what you’ve fixed, next to your rating.
- Once you’ve made improvements, request a re-rating visit. Many councils charge a fee.
What helps
Consistent, honest records help an officer trust that standards are kept when nobody’s watching. That’s the confidence-in-management part of the score. Daybook can’t promise any rating, but it does make your records complete, named and dated.
Free template
Inspection day checklist (PDF)
Sources
- GOV.UK: food hygiene ratings
- GOV.UK: FHRS guidance for businesses (appeal, right to reply, re-visit forms)
- Food Standards Scotland: Food Hygiene Information Scheme
- Food Standards Agency: search food hygiene ratings
Rules can change and differ between England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Check with your local authority food safety team if you’re unsure. Daybook helps you keep records. It does not give legal advice or certify training.
Keep this record on your phone
Inspection record, signed and dated.
Daybook is the food safety diary for UK kitchens. Staff sign each check on their own iPhone; the office reads the week and makes an inspection record for any dates.