Performance and Resources report quarter 2 2022/23: Recognition and use of the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme

Key successes in the quarter

Latest results from FSA’s flagship Food and You 2 survey (Published Aug 2022, fieldwork conducted between Oct 2021 and Jan 2022), indicate consolidated consumer awareness (89%) and recognition (88%) of the FHRS is high across all three nations. 

This is only the second tranche of fieldwork using a revised methodology, therefore it is difficult to draw any firm conclusions at this stage. Once additional iterations of fieldwork have been conducted and reported (2023) we will be able to comment on trends which will provide greater context to these findings and help determine whether further action (for example, consumer messaging) or research is required.

Concerns / risks

41% of those who eat out consider food hygiene ratings when deciding where to go. Those with very low food security (58%), younger adults (16-24 year olds) (50%), larger households (5+ people) (48%), and those living in urban areas (43%) were more likely to consider food hygiene ratings when eating out. 38% of those who order takeaways consider the food hygiene rating when deciding where to order from. Those with very low food security (54%), younger adults (25-34 year olds) (45%) and those living in urban areas (40%) were more likely to consider food hygiene ratings when ordering a takeaway.

Since its inception in 2020, the Food and You 2 survey has coincided with periods of change and uncertainty including the pandemic restrictions. This may have had an impact on attitudes and behaviours regarding food hygiene and eating out.

Next steps

Continue to collect data on FHRS use and recognition annually through our Food and You 2 survey. 

Food and You 2 latest findings

• 89% awareness of FHRS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland
• 88% recognition of the FHRS sticker
• 41% checked rating of the food hygiene rating of a food business

Consumer awareness, recognition and use of the FHRS

How respondents had checked the hygiene rating of food businesses (latest findings)