Food Hygiene Rating Scheme (FHRS) Audit of Display and Business Survey 2021

Introduction 

Under the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme (FHRS), places where food is supplied, sold or consumed are given a rating ranging from 0 to 5, with 5 indicating ‘very good’ food hygiene and 0 indicating ‘urgent improvement necessary’. In Northern Ireland and Wales, businesses are legally required to display their food hygiene rating sticker in a prominent place like the front door, entrance or window of the business. Businesses in England do not have to display their rating at their premises but are encouraged to do so. Across England, Northern Ireland and Wales, food hygiene ratings are also available to search on the FSA website.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has conducted research into the Display of Food Hygiene Ratings in England, Northern Ireland and Wales since 2011, although the research was paused in 2020 due to COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, the FSA commissioned IFF Research to update the research with the following aims: 

• Provide a representative estimate of the display of food hygiene ratings by food businesses
• Explore the reasons and drivers for display and non-display 
• Explore business awareness and attitudes towards the scheme

Fieldwork in November and December 2021 comprised 1,522 covert audits of food businesses in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland and 1,500 telephone interviews of food businesses. 

Audit results 

In England, almost two-thirds (64%) of businesses were displaying a food hygiene rating, either inside or in a location visible from outside their premises. Although not significantly higher than 2019 (61%), there has been a gradual upward trend in the number of businesses in England displaying a food hygiene rating over the past four years, up from 55% in 2017. There has also been an upward trend in the proportion of businesses displaying the sticker so that it is visible from the outside of their premises (59% in 2021 against 55% in 2019 and 52% in 2018).

In Northern Ireland and Wales, where it is mandatory for businesses to display their food hygiene rating, the vast majority of businesses had their rating on display either inside or in a location visible  from outside the premises (Northern Ireland 84%, Wales 85%). ^{(footnote 1)}

In Northern Ireland, the proportion displaying a food hygiene rating has been consistent over the longer-term and the 2021 result is in line with 2017, which was the first audit after it became mandatory to display the rating. However, there was a slight fall in 2021 from the peak display rate recorded in 2019, down by 5 percentage points from 89% to 84%. Alongside this there has been a fall in the proportion of businesses displaying the food hygiene rating so that it is visible from outside (down from 87% in 2019 to 77% in 2021). 

In Wales, the vast majority (85%) of businesses had their correct statutory FHRS sticker with the dragon logo on display, with a further 2% displaying a FHRS sticker without a dragon. The proportion displaying the correct sticker was lower than in 2019 (down from 91%). There was also a fall in the proportion displaying the statutory sticker in a location visible from outside their premises (82%, down from 89% in 2019).  

The reduction in the proportion of Northern Irish and Welsh businesses displaying an FHRS sticker in a location visible from outside their premises should be considered in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. During the pandemic, Local Authorities were required to defer the routine inspection of many food businesses and focus resource on the most high-risk establishments. Consequently, there was less opportunity for inspectors to observe non-compliant behaviour and prompt businesses to correct this. There was also considerable upheaval in the food industry during the pandemic, with many businesses temporarily closing and changing management and/or ownership. 

Despite the dips in the proportion of Northern Irish and Welsh businesses displaying an FHRS sticker in a location visible from outside their premises, levels remain high compared to English businesses. This suggests that if mandatory display in a location visible from outside premises was introduced in England it would increase the rate of display. 

In both Northern Ireland and Wales, takeaways and sandwich shops were more likely to have their rating on display than accommodation businesses, pubs, bars and nightclubs. In Northern Ireland, it was particularly accommodation businesses, pubs, bars and nightclubs where rates of display were lower than in 2019. In Wales, the decline in display rates of the statutory sticker were also driven by this outlet type, along with restaurants and cafes. 

As a new measure introduced in 2021, a check was made on whether the business had their food hygiene rating displayed on their website. A substantial proportion of businesses did not have a website (41% in England, 50% in Northern Ireland and 40% in Wales). Of those with a website, only a small number of businesses had their rating displayed on it; Wales 11%, Northern Ireland 8%, England 5%. Self-reported display of food hygiene ratings on websites was notably higher than was found during audits (England: 12%; Northern Ireland: 15%; Wales 15%). 

Awareness of the scheme and satisfaction with ratings 

As found in previous years, nearly all food businesses interviewed had heard of the FHRS (Northern Ireland 95%, Wales 92%, England 92%). Awareness of FHRS was slightly lower for businesses in Wales compared to 2019 (down 5 percentage points) but after further prompting, and with a reference to the distinctive ‘green and black’ sticker that displays the rating, 96% of food businesses in Wales did recall being given a food hygiene rating. 

In line with 2019, the vast majority of businesses were satisfied with their food hygiene rating (Northern Ireland 92%, England 89%, Wales 88%). Those with a higher rating showed higher satisfaction levels, but otherwise satisfaction levels were similar across outlet types, except for lower satisfaction amongst takeaway businesses in England (80%) and Northern Ireland (82%). This may, in part, be linked to takeaway businesses as a whole having lower food hygiene ratings. 

As few businesses were dissatisfied, it is not possible to confidently report on what was driving this dissatisfaction. But indicatively the reasons reported by businesses that were dissatisfied were that they were expecting a higher rating than they were given, a sense that the rating was not fair, and situations where the inspection was conducted at an inconvenient time. 

Most food businesses felt that the lowest food hygiene rating they would be satisfied with would be a 5 (England 55%, Northern Ireland 57%, Wales 52%). However, many businesses felt a 4 out of 5 would be ‘good enough’ for them to display (England 46%; Northern Ireland 48%; Wales 43%).

FHRS sticker receipt and display

Most surveyed food businesses were aware that they had been given a food hygiene rating and most of these said they displayed their FHRS sticker in a place clearly visible to customers. The proportion who said they displayed their FHRS sticker in a visible place was higher for businesses in Northern Ireland (99%) and Wales (97%) compared to England (86%), where it is not a legal requirement to display the FHRS sticker.  Although the proportion was lower for England, this did represent a recovery from 2019 when only 80% of businesses claimed they had their FHRS sticker on display. 

The vast majority of businesses who displayed their food hygiene rating said that the customer could clearly see the FHRS sticker from the outside of their premises (Wales 97%, Northern Ireland 94%, England 91%). Nearly all businesses in Northern Ireland and Wales said that the sticker was in all or some of their entrances (88% said it was in their entrance or all their entrances, 10% said it was in some). Accommodation businesses and pubs, bars and nightclubs were slightly less likely to display their sticker at every customer entrance, whereas retail businesses were more likely to do so.

Businesses in England who did not display their FHRS sticker or who did not display it in a visible place for customers gave a range of reasons why this was the case. The most common reasons given was that similar businesses were not displaying their sticker and that it was not a legal requirement. Other reasons included not having anywhere suitable to show it outdoors and the sticker not suiting the surroundings or premises. Some mentioned a dislike of the food hygiene rating scheme, and a number said they had never received their sticker or had subsequently lost the sticker. 

Although a low food hygiene rating was seldom cited as the reason for not displaying their FHRS sticker, having a better rating was the top answer from businesses in England as to what would encourage them to start displaying their rating. A similar proportion said that nothing would encourage them, but others mentioned that they would display their rating if the lost sticker was re-issued, if it was mandated by law, and if it could be issued in a different format (e.g., a different design, in a frame). Some said that they had just not got around to it or were in the process of renovations.

Mandatory display

As found in previous years, awareness that it is a legal requirement to display their food hygiene rating sticker at their premises in Northern Ireland and Wales was extremely high, with 96% of businesses in each aware of this requirement. Furthermore, there is strong support for compulsory display with around nine in ten businesses in Northern Ireland and Wales saying that the legal requirement to display the rating is a good thing (91% and 92% respectively).

Support is almost as high in England with 85% of businesses believing it would be a good thing. This marks a higher level of support amongst businesses in England than seen in previous years (79% in 2019 . Businesses in England who supported mandatory display thought it would encourage trust or confidence amongst customers and would show that the business cares.

Across England, Northern Ireland and Wales, the majority of businesses felt that the display of food hygiene ratings should become mandatory for at least some online platforms (England: 91%; Northern Ireland: 93%; Wales: 94%), with around a fifth holding the opinion that food businesses should be required by law to display their rating on all online platforms used (England: 17%; Northern Ireland: 19%; Wales: 19%).

The top two most common types of online platforms where mandatory online display was felt to be required were the own online ordering facilities of restaurants and takeaways (England: 68%; Northern Ireland: 69%; Wales: 70%) and takeaway aggregators or apps (England: 66%; Northern Ireland: 68%; Wales: 70%). Fewer than half of food businesses in England, Northern Ireland and Wales felt that food businesses should be required to publicise their food hygiene rating on their social media accounts (England: 43%; Northern Ireland: 46%; Wales: 48%).

Awareness and ease of use of safeguards

Although over three-quarters of businesses in each country recalled receiving their inspection letter (Northern Ireland 87%, Wales 82%, England 77%), there has been a fall in recollection over recent years (Wales down 11 percentage points since 2018, England down 7 percentage points and Northern Ireland down 5 percentage points). The Covid-19 pandemic resulted in deferred inspections and some businesses closing during lockdowns which has undoubtably played a part in this. 

Most of those with a food hygiene rating of less than 5 and who recalled the inspection letter knew that it had included some advice on how to improve their rating (England 89%, Wales 85%, Northern Ireland 83%), with this generally at a similar level to that recorded for previous years for all three countries.

Most food businesses were also aware that if they were unhappy with their rating they could request a re-rating, appeal the rating or that they had a right to reply. The ability to request a re-rating just topped the list in terms of being the best-known option (Wales 91%, Northern Ireland 88%, England 80%). Businesses in England generally had the lowest awareness levels for all three options, particularly those in retail.

Despite high awareness of the option to request a re-rating or to exercise a right to reply, few businesses had taken either of these courses of actions (only around 1 in 20 businesses in each country, with this looking similar to the situation in 2019). That said, there were a couple of notable exceptions with 16% of takeaway businesses in England aware of the right to reply exercising this right, and 10% of accommodation businesses, pubs, bars and nightclubs in Northern Ireland aware of the option to request a re-rating doing so. 

Applying for a re-rating

When asked why they had not applied for a re-rating despite being dissatisfied with their food hygiene rating, the main reasons were that they had not made all of the changes suggested, the process coincided with the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, the fees were too high and that they had other competing priorities in their business.   ^{(footnote 2)}

Of those who had applied for a re-rating, around a quarter were awarded with a higher rating, with the findings suggesting this was more likely to be the case in Wales (12 out of the 24 businesses answering this question). 

Exercising right to reply 

As with re-rating, a range of reasons was given by businesses for not exercising their right to reply. However, the most common ones were the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the fact that they had applied for a re-rating instead and because they did not think it was necessary. 

Impacts of the scheme

Perceived value

Overall, it is clear that most businesses are incentivised to maintain or improve their food hygiene rating and consider that the display of their rating has a range of positive impacts on consumer perceptions of the business. Across each country, practically all businesses that displayed their FHRS rating agreed with the statements ‘I/we work hard to maintain/improve our hygiene rating’ (England: 99%; Northern Ireland: 99%; Wales 98%) and ‘displaying my food hygiene rating shows customers that we take food hygiene seriously’ (England: 98%; Northern Ireland: 97%; Wales 97%).

Agreement was also relatively high for the perceived impact the food hygiene rating has on the businesses’ competitive advantage and levels of custom. Roughly eight in ten in each country agreed with the statement ‘having a higher rating gives me a competitive advantage over other businesses that have lower ratings’ (England: 83%; Northern Ireland: 80%; Wales 81%), and just under seven in ten agreed with the statement ‘displaying my food hygiene rating gives my business more customers’ (England: 69%; Northern Ireland: 68%; Wales 66%). 

Changes made by business to improve hygiene standards

Across all three nations, most food businesses that had received a rating of 4 or less reported making changes in an attempt to improve their rating (England 87%, Wales 82%, Northern Ireland 78%). Purchasing additional equipment and undertaking repairs was the most common change made (as found in previous survey waves), with this being consistent across countries (England: 44%; Northern Ireland: 41%; Wales 35%). Thereafter the second most common change was improving documentation and recording keeping (England: 29%; Northern Ireland: 18%; Wales 33%), with more businesses in England and Wales taking this action compared to 2019 (29% vs 11%). 

Corrections

Errata regarding the figure for 'display either inside or outside' in FBOs in Wales (dragon logo and non-dragon logo) in the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme Audit of Display and Business Survey 2021
 

Background to the FHRS

Under the FHRS, places where food is supplied, sold or consumed are given a rating ranging from 0 to 5, with 5 indicating ‘very good’ food hygiene and 0 indicating ‘urgent improvement necessary’. The ratings are determined by three elements: hygienic food handling; physical condition of the premises and facilities; and food safety management.

Figure 2.1 provides examples of the FHRS stickers currently in use in England and Northern Ireland (left) and Wales (right). 

In Northern Ireland and Wales, businesses are legally required to display their ratings in a prominent place, like the front door, entrance or window of the business. They are also required to provide information on their rating verbally if requested in person or over the phone. Businesses in England do not have to display their rating at their premises but are encouraged to do so. Across England, Northern Ireland and Wales, food hygiene ratings are available to search on the FSA's rating website.

In Wales, the scheme differs slightly in that it also applies to businesses who sell to businesses, including food manufacturers and wholesalers. Furthermore, takeaways must include a bilingual statement on menu leaflets and flyers which tells customers how to find details of their food hygiene rating on the FSA website.

Research objectives

The FSA has conducted research into the Display of Food Hygiene Ratings in England, Northern Ireland and Wales since 2011.  As with the previous waves of the research, the objectives were threefold:

• Provide a representative estimate of the display of food hygiene ratings by food businesses
• Explore the reasons and drivers for display and non-display 
• Explore business awareness and attitudes towards the scheme

Methodology 

To meet the objectives outlined in the previous section a two-pronged research approach was adopted, consisting of:

1. A covert audit of 1,522 food businesses in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, conducted by Mystery Shopper .  ^{(footnote 1)}
2. A telephone survey of 1,500 food businesses in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, conducted by IFF Research. 

Sampling

For both the audit and telephone survey of food businesses, a sample was drawn from the FSA’s FHRS database. The sample included food businesses that that sell or serve food to the public from a physical commercial premises and were in receipt of a food hygiene rating following an inspection by a food safety officer. 

Food businesses were excluded from the sample if they had not yet been inspected and issued with a food hygiene rating. Food businesses were also excluded if not publicly accessible, a mobile food business or a food business in a residential property.  ^{(footnote 2)}

The starting sample for the audit and telephone survey of food businesses included the following outlet types:

• Accommodation (for example, hotels, bed & breakfasts, and guest houses)
• Pubs, bars, and nightclubs
• Restaurants, cafes, and canteens
• Retailers (for example, supermarkets, butchers, and bakeries)
• Takeaways and sandwich shops
• Other catering premises (for example, caterers and community centres)

The sample was stratified by country, outlet type, and food hygiene rating to broadly reflect the underlying population. Northern Irish businesses and those with a food hygiene rating of less than three were oversampled to ensure that robust results could be produced for each group. 

Audit of food businesses

Pilot 

Pilot audit fieldwork was conducted between 21 October and 27 October, 2021, to ensure the questionnaire designed for the audit of food businesses was appropriate ahead of mainstage fieldwork. 

In total, 27 audits of food businesses were conducted during the pilot. The questionnaire performed well. However, one minor adjustment was made: a question was added to collect information about the display of food hygiene ratings on food business’s websites.

Mainstage

Mainstage audit fieldwork took place between 3 November and 8 December, 2021. In total, 1,522 audits were completed. The final profile of the audits achieved by country, outlet type and food hygiene rating is detailed in Tables 2.1 to 2.3. 

Table 2.1 Profile of audited food businesses: Country

Country	Completed audits
England	502
Northern Ireland	505
Wales	515

Table 2.2 Profile of audited food businesses: Outlet type

Outlet type	Completed audits
Accommodation	74
Pubs, bars and nightclubs	216
Restaurants, cafes and canteens	522
Retail	439
Takeaways and sandwich shop	235
Other catering premises	36

Table 2.3 Profile of audited food businesses: Food hygiene rating

Food hygiene rating	Completed audits
0-1	26
2	21
3	136
4	335
5	1,004

Audit results were weighted so that findings were representative of the underlying population of food businesses in terms of outlet type and food hygiene rating within England, Northern Ireland, and Wales. More information on the audit methodology, including sampling and weighting, can be found in the accompanying Technical Report.

Telephone survey 

Cognitive testing

To ensure that effective questions were asked, the survey was cognitively tested with food businesses between 14 September and 27 September, 2021. In total 10 cognitive interviews were completed. 

The survey performed well during cognitive interviews. There were, however, some questions where potential issues were identified and/or where improvements were recommended by participants. Small changes were therefore made to the questionnaire ahead of pilot fieldwork. 

Pilot 

A pilot was conducted between 20 October and 22 October, 2021, to ensure the amended questionnaire following cognitive testing flowed well and to check the interview ran to a suitable length. 

In total, 50 pilot interviews were completed. There were some further small refinements made to the questionnaire following piloting to improve the clarity of questions asked and to add pre-coded responses that were not previously included. 

Mainstage

Mainstage quantitative fieldwork took place between 15 November and 14 December, 2021. In total, 1,500 interviews were completed. The final profile of the interviews achieved by country, outlet type, food hygiene rating and size in terms of employee numbers at the site surveyed is presented in Tables 2.4 to 2.7.
 

Table 2.4 Profile of mainstage interviews with food businesses: Country

Country	Completed interviews
England	500
Northern Ireland	500
Wales	500

Table 2.5 Profile of mainstage interviews food businesses: Outlet type

Outlet type	Completed interviews
Accommodation	113
Pubs, bars and nightclubs	179
Restaurants, cafes and canteens	531
Retail	399
Takeaways and sandwich shop	197
Other catering premises	81

Table 2.6 Profile of mainstage interviews with food businesses: Food hygiene rating

Food hygiene rating	Completed interviews
0-1	18
2	25
3	111
4	292
5	1,054

Table 2.7 Profile of mainstage interviews with food businesses: Size

Size	Completed interviews
Micro (1-9 employees)	854
Small (10-49 employees)	561
Medium (50-249 employees)	76
Large (250 or more employees)	5
Unknown	4

Survey results from mainstage fieldwork were weighted so that findings were representative of the underlying population of food businesses in terms of outlet type and food hygiene rating within England, Northern Ireland and Wales. More information on the survey methodology, including sampling and weighting, can be found in the accompanying Technical Report.

Reporting conventions

Throughout the report the terms ‘business’, ‘establishment’, ‘premises’ and ‘outlet’ are used interchangeably to refer to food business sites. 

In charts, arrows are used to denote statistically significant differences (upward arrows are used to denote a significant increase and downward arrows are used to denote a significant decrease). In tables statistically significant differences are denoted by asterisks (a single asterisk is used to denote a significant increase and two asterisks are used to denote a significant decrease).

All differences between sub-groups and previous waves of the research stated in this report are statistically significant at the 95% confidence level unless otherwise stated. 

For analysis purposes the six outlet types included in the initial sample frame have been grouped into four categories:

• Accommodation, pubs, bars, and nightclubs
• Restaurants, cafes, and canteens, and other catering
• Retailers 
• Takeaways and sandwich shops

This chapter covers the findings of the audits of the display of food hygiene rating stickers in England, Northern Ireland and Wales. It looks at areas such as: the rates of display of stickers, where the sticker is displayed, the mode of display which businesses use, and whether the food hygiene rating features on the food business’ website. The chapter will also explore the type of sticker and whether the food hygiene rating is displayed on takeaway leaflets in Wales. 

Rates of display

Figure 3.1 summarises the proportion of establishments in England, Northern Ireland and Wales that are displaying food hygiene ratings.  ^{(footnote 1)}

Did you see an FHRS sticker at this outlet? – Yes. Base: All audited food businesses 2021/2019/2018/2017/2016/2015/2014/ 2013/2012 (England 502/479/500/500/412/429/490/462/452; NI 515/480/500/500/450/445/431/429/418; Wales 505/498/ 500/500/417/430/NA/455/447) – For Wales, only the statutory style sticker is counted. ↓ Denotes a significant decrease from 2019. 

In England, 64% of businesses are displaying a rating (either inside or in a location visible from outside the premises). This proportion is not significantly higher than in 2019, when it was 61%. However, a steady upward trend is seen from 2017, when 55% of businesses displayed a rating.

In Northern Ireland the proportion of establishments displaying ratings has significantly declined compared to 2019. Over four in five businesses (84%) are displaying a rating either inside or in a location visible from outside the premises, a decline of 5 percentage points from the previous round of audits (89% in 2019). However, the overall picture in Northern Ireland remains consistent, with the 2021 figure in line with the percentage displaying the sticker in 2017, the first audit after displaying the rating became mandatory in Northern Ireland the previous year. 

In Wales, around four in five food businesses (85%) had their statutory FHRS sticker with the dragon logo on display in 2021, a significant decrease from 2019 (91%). However, the overall picture in Wales remains consistent, with the 2021 figure in line with the percentage displaying the sticker in 2017 (86%). Furthermore, almost nine in ten (88%) businesses in Wales had some sort of FHRS sticker on display in 2021, either with the statutory sticker, voluntary scheme sticker, as a certificate or another alternative format.

The reduction in the proportion of Northern Irish and Welsh businesses displaying an FHRS sticker in a location visible from outside their premises should be considered in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. During the pandemic, Local Authorities were required to defer the routine inspection of many food businesses and focus resource on the most high-risk establishments. Consequently, there was less opportunity for inspectors to observe non-compliant behaviour and prompt businesses to correct this. There was also considerable upheaval in the food industry during the pandemic, with many businesses temporarily closing and changing management and/or ownership. 

In Northern Ireland and Wales, takeaways and sandwich shops are more likely to have their rating on display (90% and 92% respectively) than accommodation businesses and pubs, bars and nightclubs (68% and 82% respectively). However, no such pattern is observed in England. In Northern Ireland, it is particularly accommodation businesses and pubs, bars and nightclubs which have seen a decline in display rates compared to two years ago (68% vs. 87% in 2019) – see Tables 3.1 to 3.3. 
 

FHRS sticker at this outlet? – Yes. Base: All audited food businesses. Business type base 2021/2019/2018: (England Restaurant... 180/183/189 Takeaway 82/76/77, Hotel... 91/92/102 Retail 149/128/132). ** Denotes a significant decrease since 2019">

Table 3.1 Display by food business type (England)

Business Type	2021	2019	2018
Restaurants, cafe, canteen and catering	63%	69%	63%
Takeaway and sandwich shop	71%	62%	51%
Retail	59%	51%	57%
Accommodation and pub, car or nightclub	68%	57%	59%

Table 3.1 Did you see an FHRS sticker at this outlet? – Yes. Base: All audited food businesses. Business type base 2021/2019/2018: (England Restaurant... 180/183/189 Takeaway 82/76/77, Hotel... 91/92/102 Retail 149/128/132). ** Denotes a significant decrease since 2019

 

Table 3.2 Display by food business type (Northern Ireland)

Business Type	2021	2019	2018
Restaurants, cafe, canteen and catering	90%	92%	85%
Takeaway and sandwich shop	90%	94%	95%
Retail	83%	85%	90%
Accommodation and pub, car or nightclub	68%**	87%	81%

Did you see an FHRS sticker at this outlet? – Yes. Base: All audited food businesses. Business type base 2021/2019/2018: (NI Restaurant... 196/182/191 Takeaway 88/77/78, Hotel... 82/84/91 Retail 149/137/140). ** Denotes a significant decrease since 2019

 

Table 3.3 Display by food business type (Wales)

Business Type	2021	2019	2018
Restaurants, cafe, canteen and catering	88%	93%	93%
Takeaway and sandwich shop	92%	94%	95%
Retail	80%	87%	88%
Accommodation and pub, car or nightclub	82%	90%	81%

Did you see an FHRS sticker at this outlet? – Yes. Base: All audited food businesses. Business type base 2021/2019/2018 (Wales Restaurant.182/182/181, Takeaway 65/67/73, Hotel.117/123/123 Retail 141/126/123). NB: for Wales, only the statutory style sticker is counted.

 

Display by rating

In England, food businesses with a rating of 5 are the most likely to be displaying their food hygiene rating (76%), continuing an upward trend that has been seen since 2017. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the proportion of businesses displaying their rating decreases as the rating becomes lower: around half (51%) with a rating of 4 are showing their food hygiene rating, as are a quarter (25%) of those with a rating of 3.

As presented in Figure 3.2, due to a statutory requirement to display ratings, there was less difference in display rates between different food hygiene ratings in Northern Ireland and Wales. In Northern Ireland, 86% with a rating of 5 had a sticker on display, 78% with a rating of 4 had a sticker on display and 88% with a rating of 3 had a sticker on display. In Wales, 89% with a rating of 5 had a sticker on display, 88% with a rating of 4 had a sticker on display and 88% with a rating of 3 had a sticker on display.

Did you see an FHRS sticker at this outlet? – Yes. Base: All audited food businesses, food hygiene rating 5/4/3 (England 324/105/52; NI 386/101/25; Wales 294/129/59)

Focusing on audited food business with a food hygiene rating of less than 3, it was much more common for outlets in Northern Ireland and Wales to have an FHRS rating sticker on display than their counterparts in England. 

• In England, 2 out of 19 food businesses with a rating of less than 3 had an FHRS rating sticker on display. ^{(footnote 2)}
• In Northern Ireland, 1 out of 3 food businesses with a rating of less than 3 had an FHRS rating sticker on display 
• In Wales, 18 out of 23 food businesses with a rating of less than 3 had an FHRS rating sticker on display

Whether rating was clearly visible 

The audits captured whether ratings were visible from outside the premises and whether they were clearly visible to customers i.e. not obscured by furniture or other posters. As in previous years, the vast majority of FHRS stickers found were clearly visible, as shown in Tables 3.4. to 3.6 
 

Table 3.4 Display rates in England

Type of display	2021 (n=502)	2019 (n=479)	2018 (n=500)
Visible from outside	59%	55%	52%
Displayed inside	5%	6%	6%
Not displayed	36%	39%	41%
Summary: displayed inside or visible outside	64%	61%	59%
Deemed 'clearly visible'	63%*	59%	55%

Did you see an FHRS sticker at this outlet? – Yes. Base: All audited food businesses 2021/2019/2018 (England 502/479/500; * Denotes a significant increase since 2019. ** Denotes a significant decrease since 2019

 

Table 3.5 Display rates in Northern Ireland

Type of display	2021 (n=515)	2019 (n=480)	2018 (n=500)
Visible from outside	77%**	87%	84%
Displayed inside	8%*	3%	3%
Not displayed	16%*	11%	11%
Summary: displayed inside or visible outside	84%**	89%	87%
Deemed 'clearly visible'	83%**	89%	87%

Did you see an FHRS sticker at this outlet? – Yes. Base: All audited food businesses 2021/2019/2018 (NI 515/480/500) –* Denotes a significant increase since 2019. ** Denotes a significant decrease since 2019

 

Table 3.6 Display rates in Wales

Type of display	2021	2019	2018
Visible from outside	82%	89%	87%
Displayed inside	4%	2%	3%
Not displayed	15%	9%	11%
Summary: displayed inside or visible outside	85%	91%	89%
Deemed 'clearly visible'	85%	89%	87%

Did you see an FHRS sticker at this outlet? – Yes. Base: All audited food businesses 2021/2019/2018 (Wales 505/498/500) – For Wales, only the statutory style sticker is counted. * Denotes a significant increase since 2019. ** Denotes a significant decrease since 2019

 

Similar to the pattern seen for England in Figure 3.1, the number of food businesses with a rating visible from outside (59%) has seen an upward trend over the past few years. 

In Northern Ireland, the number of food businesses displaying their rating so that it is visible from outside has declined since 2019 (77% vs. 87% in 2019) ^{(footnote 3)}.  Conversely, the number of food businesses that are displaying their rating inside has increased to 8%, up from 3% in 2019. 

For Wales, just over four in five food businesses (82%) are displaying the statutory sticker so that it is visible from outside, this is 7 percentage points down from 2019 (89%). However, the number of food businesses displaying their rating inside has remained consistent compared to the last audit (4% vs 2% in 2019). The number of food businesses not displaying the statutory sticker with the dragon logo has increased to 15%, up from 9% two years ago.

There is some variation by food business type with regards to food hygiene ratings being outside within each country: 

• In England, takeaways and sandwich shops are more likely to have a sticker visible from outside (69%) compared to retail (55%). 
• In Northern Ireland, accommodation businesses and pubs, bars and nightclubs are significantly less likely to have their rating visible from outside (57%) compared to all other food business types (77% average). 
• In Wales, when accounting for the correct sticker only, takeaways and sandwich shops are more likely to have their rating visible from outside (89%) than accommodation businesses and pubs, bars and nightclubs (77%).

Mode of display

In England and Northern Ireland, the vast majority of displays are using an FHRS sticker. An alternative format, such as a certificate or an A-board, was used in less than 1% of cases.

In Wales, FHRS stickers look different to those in the rest of the UK. The statutory sticker, identified with a logo of a dragon, was displayed inside or in a location visible from outside by around four in five (85%) food businesses, a significant decline compared to 2019 (91%). Three percent are displaying an FHRS sticker without a dragon, in line with 2019 (3%), and just three food businesses are displaying their rating in alternative format. The remaining 12% are not displaying anything at all. 

Number of food hygiene ratings on display

Auditors recorded the number of ratings that were on display. Where more than one rating was observed, auditors recorded the location of display and the date on each record, where possible. As with previous years, a small minority of businesses in each country displayed more than one sticker. 

For England, amongst businesses displaying a food hygiene rating, 12% of businesses had more than one food hygiene rating on display, an increase compared to the figure in 2019 (7%). In Northern Ireland, 14% of businesses displayed more than one FHRS sticker, higher than the 9% that was reported in 2019. For Wales, 11% had more than one sticker on display (of any type), a similar figure compared to the previous audit (8%). 

Where multiple stickers were displayed, ratings generally matched – there was a difference in the rating displayed between the first and second sticker in just 10 audits out of 145 where more than one sticker was found.

Comparison of ratings on display to those recorded in FHRS database

Most food businesses in each country who displayed a food hygiene rating sticker, displayed a rating matching that which was published on the FSA’s rating website (England 91%; Northern Ireland 94%; Wales 94%). In the small number of cases where the rating displayed does not match the rating online, more food businesses displayed a higher rating (England 7%; Northern Ireland 4%; Wales 3%) than a lower rating (England 2%, Northern Ireland 2%; Wales 3%). 

As shown in Figure 3.3, the number of food businesses whose displayed food hygiene rating matched the rating recorded in the FHRS database was in line with that recorded in previous years and has remained fairly consistent since 2017.

Does the food hygiene rating at location match what is in the FHRS database? – Yes Base: All businesses displaying FHRS 2021/2019/2018/2017 (England 315/294/294/276; NI 448/429/446/435; Wales 435/467/454/438)

For all three nations, businesses with a rating of 5 are more likely to be displaying the correct rating compared to those with a rating of 4. Base sizes for businesses rated 3 are low but are shown for context (indicative only). Tables 3.7 to 3.9 show the rating on display split by the rating awarded by the FSA.

Table 3.7 Comparison of rating on display to rating recorded in FHRS database (England)

Comparison of ratings	3 (n=13**)	4 (n=53)	5 (n=247)
3	31%	0%	<1%
4	30%	73%	1%
5	39%	27%	97%
Awaiting inspection	0%	0%	1%

What rating was on the sticker/certificate? Base: All food businesses displaying FHRS. ** indicates a low sample size, these figures may not be representative of the population. A highlighted cells notes where the rating on sticker matches rating in FHRS database

 

Table 3.8 Comparison of rating on display to rating recorded in FHRS database (Northern Ireland)

Comparison of ratings	3 (n=22**)	4 (n=79)	5 (n=333)
3	72%	0%	<1%
4	18%	82%	1%
5	9%	17%	98%
Awaiting inspection	0%	1%	<1%

What rating was on the sticker/certificate? Base: All food businesses displaying FHRS. ** indicates a low sample size, these figures may not be representative of the population. A highlighted cells notes where the rating on sticker matches rating in FHRS database

 

Table 3.9 Comparison of rating on display to rating recorded in FHRS database (Wales)

Comparison of rating	0-2 (n=18**)	3 (n=52)	4 (n=113)	5 (n=260)
1	31%	0%	0%	0%
2	37%	0%	0%	0%
3	7%	92%	0%	0%
4	24%	2%	91%	2%
5	0%	4%	6%	96%
Awaiting Inspection	0%	2%	3%	2%

What rating was on the sticker/certificate? Base: All food businesses displaying FHRS. ** indicates a low sample size, these figures may not be representative of the population. A highlighted cells notes where the rating on sticker matches rating in FHRS database

 

Use of the food hygiene rating on a food business’ website

For the first time, food businesses that were audited also had a review of their websites, to see whether the food hygiene rating was displayed there.  ^{(footnote 4)}

In England, 59% of businesses had a website. Of these, just 5% had their rating on display on their website. Ten of the fourteen businesses displaying their rating matched the rating on the FSA database, while two had a rating which was higher than their actual rating whilst the remaining two businesses displayed a number lower than what they had been given.  ^{(footnote 5)}

In Northern Ireland, half (50%) of businesses had a website. Of these, 8% had their rating on display on their website. All but one of the 21 food businesses displaying a rating were given a rating of 5; the remaining food business had a food hygiene rating of 4. All food businesses were showing a rating which matched what is held for them on the FSA database.

In Wales, three in five (60%) food businesses had their own website. Of these, 11% had their rating on display on their website. Of the 31 businesses displaying a rating on their website, 26 were showing a rating of 5; while the remaining five businesses were showing a rating of 4. Five food businesses were showing ratings higher than what they were awarded, the rest were displaying a rating which matches what was given to them by the FSA.

This chapter begins by covering awareness of the Scheme. It then moves on to explore food business’ attitudes towards their food hygiene ratings. 

Awareness of the scheme

There was high awareness of the FHRS across all countries (Northern Ireland 95%, Wales 92%, England 92%). Historically, awareness in Northern Ireland and Wales tends to have been higher than in England, likely reflecting the different legal requirements around the FHRS in the different countries (with display being mandatory in Northern Ireland and Wales but only encouraged in England). However, awareness among businesses in Wales in 2021 was slightly lower than in previous years (92%, down from 97% in 2019). 

Figure 4.1 Awareness of the Food Hygiene Rating scheme (FHRS)

B1. Have you heard of the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme? Base: All FBOs. England (2021: 500, 2019: 498, 2018: 465, 2017: 498); Northern Ireland (500, 500, 469, 494); Wales (500, 507, 478, 501). ↓ Denotes a significant decrease from 2019. 

Within each country, awareness of the FHRS was at a similarly high level across the different sizes of the food businesses, outlet types, and regardless of the food hygiene rating that the business held. The one exception was relatively lower awareness amongst takeaway businesses in England, with four in five (80%) aware of the FHRS. 

Figure 4.2 Awareness of the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme (FHRS) by outlet type

B1. Have you heard of the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme? Base: All FBOs. England (500), Catering (209), Retail (132), Accommodation and bars (94), Takeaway (65); Northern Ireland (500), Retail (139), Accommodation and bars (78), Catering (212), Takeaway (71); Wales (500), Catering (191), Accommodation and bars (120), Takeaway (61), Retail (128). ↓ Denotes significantly lower than total. 

After further prompting – for example, referencing the green and black sticker that displays the rating – slightly more businesses in Wales recalled being given a food hygiene rating by their local authority (96%) than had recognised the name of the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme (92%). In England and Northern Ireland, recall of being given a rating or sticker (94% England, 97% Northern Ireland) was in line with businesses’ overall awareness of FHRS.

Satisfaction with food hygiene ratings

Businesses were asked whether they were satisfied with the food hygiene rating they received. The majority of businesses in all three countries were satisfied with their rating (England 89%; Northern Ireland 92%; Wales 88%). As shown in Figure 4.3, satisfaction with their food hygiene rating has not changed significantly since 2019.

Figure 4.3 Satisfaction with food hygiene rating 

B6. Are you satisfied with the rating you received?– Yes; Base: Where knows food hygiene rating 2021/2019 (England 464/464; NI 484/487; Wales 472/491). This question refers to the numerical rating a business received, not necessarily the signage.

Unsurprisingly, across all three countries, businesses with higher ratings were more likely to have been satisfied with their rating. 

In England and Northern Ireland, takeaways and sandwich shops were less likely to be satisfied with their rating than other types of businesses (England 80% vs 89%; Northern Ireland: 82% vs 92%). This may, at least in part, be linked to these types of businesses being more likely than average to have comparatively low food hygiene ratings. Furthermore, micro businesses in England were less likely to be satisfied than average (87% vs 89%), with this size of business being more likely to be a takeaway or sandwich shop and have a food hygiene rating under 5.

Reasons for dissatisfaction with rating

Due to low levels of dissatisfaction with their food hygiene rating, bases sizes for self-reported reasons why some businesses were dissatisfied with their rating are low. Therefore, results provided are indicative and should be treated with caution.

Businesses provided several reasons why they were not satisfied with their rating. Some of the more common reasons were due to the rating being low or due to problems they had with the inspection ^{(footnote 1)}: 

• rating was lower than expected / expected a higher rating (England 12 mentions; Northern Ireland 16 mentions; Wales 18 mentions)
• received a low rating (England 9; Northern Ireland 7; Wales 6)
• inspector was not fair / Rating is unfair / I do not agree with it (England 8; Northern Ireland 8; Wales 12)
• inspection time was inconvenient (England 8; Northern Ireland 4; Wales 7)

Minimum satisfactory rating

Businesses were asked what was the lowest food hygiene rating which they would be satisfied with. As shown in Figure 4.4, just over half of businesses in each country would only be satisfied with the maximum rating of 5 (England 55%; Northern Ireland 57%; Wales 52%). A large proportion also considered a rating of 4 to be the minimum (England 36%; Northern Ireland 40%; Wales 36%), whilst a small proportion thought 3 was satisfactory (England 7%; Northern Ireland 3%; Wales 10%). 

Figure 4.4 Lowest food hygiene rating businesses would be satisfied with

B7a. What is the lowest Food Hygiene Rating you would be satisfied with? Base: Where knows food hygiene rating 2021 (England 464; NI 484; Wales 472).

Across all three countries, businesses with higher food hygiene ratings were more likely to state they would be satisfied with higher minimum ratings, compared to businesses with lower ratings. For example, 71% of businesses in England with a rating of five considered five to be the lowest rating they would be satisfied with (compared to 55% of all English businesses). 

In addition to being asked about the lowest food hygiene rating they would be satisfied with, food businesses were also asked what was the lowest rating they would consider to be ‘good enough’ to display. 

As illustrated in Figure 4.5, across England, Northern Ireland and Wales most businesses said that only a rating of four or above would be appropriate, with a rating of four being identified as the baseline for many (England: 46%; Northern Ireland: 48%; Wales: 43%). Again, across all three countries, the higher the food hygiene rating at present, the higher the minimum rating they would consider to be ‘good enough’ to display. This was in line with findings in 2019.

Figure 4.5 Lowest food hygiene rating businesses would consider 'good enough' to display

B17. And thinking more generally now about the Food Hygiene Rating, what is the lowest Food Hygiene Rating that you would consider ‘good enough’ to display at your business? Base: Where have FHRS certificate/sticker rating (England 469; NI 486; Wales 479).

It also focuses on whether their sticker can be seen from outside, as well as if they have stickers at their entrance(s) (Northern Ireland and Wales only). Finally, businesses’ reasons for not displaying their FHRS sticker are covered, as well as possible actions that could motivate businesses to start displaying their sticker in England where display is not mandatory.

Stated display of ratings

Most businesses in each country said they displayed their FHRS sticker somewhere that was visible to customers, although this was higher for businesses in Northern Ireland (99%) and Wales (97%) compared to England (86%), where it is not a legal requirement to display the FHRS sticker. 

As shown in Figure 5.1, reported displaying of their food hygiene rating sticker has remained consistently high for businesses across all three countries. In Northern Ireland and Wales, this figure has stayed within 1-2 percentage points since 2017. Whereas English businesses are more likely to report displaying their FHRS sticker in 2021 (86%) compared to 2019 (80%), with the current proportion in line with the levels of display seen in 2017 and 2018.

Figure 5.1 Proportion of food businesses reporting display of an FHRS sticker in a clearly visible location

B10. Is your Food Hygiene Rating sticker on display on your premises? – Yes – Somewhere it is clearly visible; Base: Where have FHRS certificate/sticker rating 2021/2019/2018/2017 (England 469/475/462/438; NI 486/495/491/476; Wales 479/494/500/487). ↑ Denotes a significant increase from 2019.

As nearly all businesses in Northern Ireland and Wales reported display of an FHRS sticker somewhere that was clearly visible to customers, there was little variation between subgroups within these countries. However, businesses in England with a higher food hygiene rating were more likely to report that they displayed their sticker (91% of those with a rating of five compared to 86% average).

In total, 272 food businesses that participated in the telephone survey were also audited. There was a 78% match rate between data that was self-reported in the telephone survey and data collected in the audit.  The majority of food businesses (77%) self-reported displaying their FHRS rating which was confirmed in the audit. Of the remainder, 13% reported displaying their FHRS rating but were found not to be displaying when audited, 9% were unsure if they displayed an FHRS rating (of which 6% were found to not be displaying when audited) and 1% self-reported non-display of their FHRS rating.  

Stated location of display

Businesses who stated that they displayed their food hygiene rating sticker on their premises in a clearly visible location were also asked whether their FHRS sticker could be seen by customers from outside their premises. The majority of these business stated that customers can clearly see their FHRS sticker from outside of their premises (England 91%; Northern Ireland 94%; Wales 97%). As shown in Figure 5.2, this has remained consistently high across all three countries. There has been a small but statistically significant decrease in Wales since 2019, however the 2021 figure is still in line with figures reported pre-2019. There were no significant differences by FHRS rating across countries. 

Figure 5.2 Proportion of food businesses reporting display of an FHRS sticker in a clearly visible location outside the premises

B11. Can I just check, can customers clearly see your Food Hygiene Rating sticker from the outside of your premises, in other words, without having to enter your premises? – Yes; Base: Where food hygiene rating sticker is clearly on display 2021/2019/2018/2017 (England 408/402/415/400; NI 483/490/486/473; Wales 465/489/495/479). ↓ Denotes a significant decrease from 2019.

Due to nearly all businesses who claimed that they displayed their sticker in Wales stating that their sticker was visible from outside of their premises, there are no compelling differences in the behaviour of different types of business. However, there are some small differences in England and Northern Ireland by business type:

• takeaways and sandwich shops in England (100%) were more likely than other businesses (91%) to report displaying their FHRS sticker somewhere visible from outside
• accommodation businesses and pubs, bars and nightclubs in Northern Ireland (85%) were less likely than average (94%) to have reported displaying their FHRS sticker somewhere visible from outside

Businesses in Northern Ireland and Wales who stated that they displayed their food hygiene rating sticker on their premises in a clearly visible location were also asked whether they had FHRS stickers at the entrances to their premises, providing they had a customer entrance. As shown in 4.3, most of these businesses (88%) reported having an FHRS sticker in their entrance(s). A further 10% of these businesses, in both Northern Ireland and Wales, stated they had a food hygiene rating sticker in some of their entrances but not all, whilst 2% did not have FHRS stickers in their entrances.

Figure 5.3 Proportion of Northern Irish and Welsh food businesses reporting display of an FHRS sticker at entrances 

B13. Do you have the sticker displayed at your customer entrance? B14. At how many customer entrances do you have the sticker displayed? Base: Where business premises has at least one customer entrance and food hygiene rating sticker is clearly on display, by outlet type Total/Retail/Take-away/Catering/ Accommodation and bars (NI 454/126/66/197/65; Wales 450/116/57/172/105). ↑ Denotes significantly higher than total. ↓ Denotes significantly lower than total. 

In both Northern Ireland and Wales, accommodation businesses and pubs, bars and nightclubs were less likely to display their sticker at every customer entrance (76% and 79% respectively), whereas retail businesses were more likely (94% and 97% respectively). 

Reasons for not displaying

Businesses in England who stated that they did not display their food hygiene rating sticker at all or so that customers could clearly see it from outside were asked why they did not, as well as what might convince them to start displaying their sticker. 

Overall, the most common reasons for English businesses not displaying food hygiene rating stickers consisted of: similar businesses in the area not displaying their stickers (16%), not being a legal requirement to display it (15%), not having their FHRS sticker (either due to never receiving it or having lost it, 8% and 6% respectively), or due to problems with locating somewhere to display the sticker (nowhere suitable to show it outdoors or does not suit the surroundings, 10% and 8% respectively).

Figure 5.4 Reasons for not displaying an FHRS sticker, England

B15. Why is your Food Hygiene Rating not on display where your customers can clearly see it? Base: Where does not display food hygiene rating sticker (England 86); Please note that responses under 2% have not been displayed.

As shown in Table 53.1, there has been some change over time in the types of reasons given for not displaying FHRS stickers. Specifically, fewer businesses in 2021 stated that the rating itself is the reason, either because they received a poor rating (6%, down from 17% in 2019) or did not agree with the rating / thought it was unfair (2%, down from 10% in 2019). Conversely, more businesses self-reported that they did not display their FHRS sticker as similar businesses in their area were not displaying their rating (16%, up from 4% in 2019). This data is based on the self-reported survey only and thus not directly comparable to the audit findings presented in chapter three.

Table 5.1 Reasons for not displaying an FHRS sticker, England by year

Reasons	2021 (n=86)	2019 (n=74)	2018 (n=39)
Poor/low food hygiene rating	6%**	17%	10%
I do not agree with the rating/the rating is unfair	2%**	10%	8%
Similar business in this area do not display their stickers	16%*	4%	0%

B15. Why is your Food Hygiene Rating not on display where your customers can clearly see it? Base: Where does not display food hygiene rating sticker (see table). * Denotes a significant increase since 2019. ** Denotes a significant decrease since 2019.

Actions to encourage display

Although having a low food hygiene rating was not frequently mentioned as a reason for not displaying their sticker (6%), having a better rating was the most common action stated by businesses in England that would encourage them to display their sticker (18%). Furthermore, having their sticker reissued was another common reason given (11%), which makes sense given the number of businesses who claimed that not having a sticker was the reason they were not displaying it.

As shown in Figure 5.5, there were a wide range of actions that could be taken to encourage display of the FHRS sticker, whilst just around one in six (17%) claimed nothing would encourage them. 

Changes since 2019 were minimal, with just one statistically significant change. Compared to 2019, fewer businesses said that a fairer food hygiene rating scheme would encourage them to start displaying their rating sticker (3%, down from 12% in 2019). Please note that subgroup analysis is not feasible given the low base size for this question.

B16. What would encourage you to display your Food Hygiene Rating where customers could clearly see it? Base: Where does not display food hygiene rating sticker (England 93).

In Northern Ireland and Wales, food businesses are legally required to display their food hygiene rating sticker in a prominent place, for example at the entrance to their premises. In England, businesses are not legally required to display their rating but are encouraged to do so. 

This chapter begins by exploring awareness of, and attitudes towards, the mandatory display of food hygiene ratings in Northern Ireland and Wales, before moving on to the views which food businesses in England have on mandatory display. The chapter concludes with findings around attitudes towards compulsory display online. 

Awareness and attitudes in Northern Ireland and Wales

The vast majority of food businesses in Northern Ireland and Wales (96% of each) were aware that it is a legal requirement to have their food hygiene rating publicly on display. The level of awareness remains in line with previous years, with no significant differences between key sub-groups.

Over nine in ten businesses in Northern Ireland (91%) and Wales (92%) felt that the legal requirement to display their food hygiene rating was a good thing, with more than seven in ten of the opinion that it was 'very good’ (Northern Ireland: 71%; Wales: 74%). As illustrated in Figure 6.1, between 2019 and 2021 there has been significant increase in the proportion of Welsh food businesses that considered mandatory display to be a good thing (92% vs 88%), causing agreement to return to levels reported in 2018. Attitudes of food businesses in Northern Ireland have remained consistent since 2019.

Figure 6.1 Positive attitudes towards mandatory display requirements in Northern Ireland and Wales

C12. How do you feel generally about the legal requirement to display your Food Hygiene Rating at your premises? Base: FBOs in Wales/NI (Northern Ireland: 475, Wales: 462). ↑ Denotes a significant increase from 2019.

In both countries, there was some evidence of attitudes towards mandatory display varying by business characteristics. In Northern Ireland, takeaways and sandwich shops stood out as being less likely to think it was good thing (85% vs 91% overall). Meanwhile, in Wales, those with a rating of five  were more likely to think it was good (94% vs 92% overall).

Amongst those that considered mandatory display to be a good thing, the most common reasons were because it showed customers that the business cares about good hygiene and has high standards (Northern Ireland: 41%; Wales: 40%) and because it builds customer trust and confidence (Northern Ireland: 27%; Wales: 29%). Amongst the minority of businesses in Northern Ireland and Wales that did not consider mandatory display to be a good thing (i.e., neither good nor bad, or a bad thing), this was typically attributed to reservations around the efficacy of the FHRS.

In Northern Ireland, of the 40 businesses that did not think mandatory display was good, 13 said that displaying the rating made no difference to their business and 9 said it was because they perceived there to be flaws in how ratings are determined. Similarly, in Wales, of the 34 businesses that did not think mandatory display was good, 10 said that displaying the rating made no difference to their business and 11 said this was because they perceived there to be flaws in the way ratings are determined.

Attitudes in England

In England, more than four in five (85%) agreed that the introduction of a scheme where food businesses are required by law to display their food hygiene rating was a good idea. Furthermore, over three in five (62%) considered it to be a ‘very good’ idea. Those with the top rating of 5 were more likely to have a positive view on the introduction of such a scheme (88% vs 85% average), meanwhile accommodation businesses and pubs, bars and nightclubs were less likely (73% vs 85% average). There were no significant differences by FHRS rating in Northern Ireland and Wales. As illustrated by Figure 6.2, since 2019 there has been a significant increase in the proportion of English food businesses that think mandatory display is a good concept. 

Figure 6.2 Positive attitudes towards mandatory display in England

C9. How would you feel if a scheme was introduced where you were required by law to display your Food Hygiene Rating? Base: FBOs in England (469). ↑ Denotes a significant increase from 2019.

Amongst the food businesses in England who had positive views on the introduction of mandatory display of food hygiene ratings, the most common reasons were because it builds customer trust and confidence (26%) and because it showed customers that the business cares about good hygiene and has high standards (25%) (see Figure 6.3). These were also the top two reasons why Northern Irish and Welsh businesses had positive attitudes towards mandatory display.

Figure 6.3 Reasons for positive attitudes towards mandatory display in England (Unprompted)

C10B. Why do you say it would be a good thing? Base: FBOs who think it would be a good thing if it was a legal requirement to display FHRS in England (374). Please note this was an open-ended question. 

As presented in Figure 6.4, amongst English food businesses that thought mandatory display was not a good thing (i.e., neither good nor bad, or a bad thing), the most common reason for this was because the business already displayed their food hygiene rating and so the introduction of a legal requirement would make no difference to the business (21%). Other reasons included the view that it would be unfair to some businesses (19%) and because they believed that customers are unlikely to pay attention to ratings on display (13%).

Figure 6.4 Reasons given by those businesses reporting negative attitudes towards mandatory display of FHRS ratings in England.

C10A. Why do you say it would be a bad thing? Base: FBOs who think it would not be a good thing if it was a legal requirement to display FHRS in England (61).

Attitudes towards mandatory display online

In addition to monitoring attitudes towards mandatory display of food hygiene ratings at physical premises, the research also explored views on whether the display of food hygiene ratings online should be made compulsory.

Across England, Northern Ireland and Wales, the majority of businesses felt that the display of food hygiene ratings should become mandatory for at least some online platforms (England: 91%; Northern Ireland: 93%; Wales: 94%), with around a fifth holding the opinion that food businesses should be required by law to display their rating on all online platforms used (England: 17%; Northern Ireland: 19%; Wales: 19%).

As presented in Figure 6.6, the top three most common types of online platforms where mandatory online display was felt to be required were the own online ordering facilities of restaurants and takeaways (England: 68%; Northern Ireland: 69%; Wales: 70%), takeaway aggregators or apps (England: 66%; Northern Ireland: 68%; Wales: 70%) and the websites of restaurants and takeaways (England: 66%; Northern Ireland: 68%; Wales: 68%).

However, fewer than half of food businesses in England, Northern Ireland and Wales felt that food businesses should be required to publicise their food hygiene rating on their social media accounts (England: 43%; Northern Ireland: 46%; Wales: 48%).

Figure 6.5 Online facilities that should be required by law to display Food Hygiene ratings

C13. Which, if any, of the following online facilities do you think should be required by law to display Food Hygiene Ratings? Base: FBOs who have FHRS (England: 469; Northern Ireland: 486; Wales: 479).

Within England and Northern Ireland there were notable differences by outlet type in terms of which online platforms display should be made mandatory. 

In England, restaurants, cafés and other catering outlets were more likely to say that restaurants and takeaways should be required by law to display food hygiene ratings on their own online ordering facilities (75% vs 68% average). Meanwhile, accommodation businesses and pubs, bars and nightclubs were more likely than average to feel that online display was not necessary on any online platforms (14% v 7% average).

In Northern Ireland, accommodation businesses and pubs, bars and nightclubs were more likely to say that restaurants and takeaways should be required by law to display food hygiene ratings on their own online ordering facilities (80% vs 69% average) and on their own websites (79% vs 68% average).
 

Once businesses have been inspected by the local authority, they are sent a letter to notify them of their rating and suggest improvements if their rating is less than the top rating of 5 (very good). If a business is dissatisfied with their rating, they can exercise their right to reply, appeal, or apply for a re-rating.

This chapter details businesses’ level of awareness of the inspection report letter and its content, and of the options available if businesses wish to challenge their rating. It also covers what proportion of businesses report using the safeguards and barriers to take-up.

Recollection of inspection report letter 

Over three-quarters of businesses in each country recalled receiving their inspection letter (Northern Ireland 87%, Wales 82%, England 77%). As shown in Figure 7.1, recall of the letter has varied over time but for all three countries there has been a fall in recollection since 2018.  Recall of an inspection letter was significantly lower in 2021 compared to 2019 for businesses in Wales (82% vs 92%) and Northern Ireland (87% vs 94%).  

Figure 7.1 Proportion of food businesses that recall receiving an inspection report letter 

C1. Do you recall if your business received an inspection report letter from the local authority? Base: FBOs who have a food hygiene rating. England (2021: 469, 2019: 473, 2018: 431, 2017: 442, 2016: 417, 2015: 430); Northern Ireland (486, 490, 463, 467, 446, 440); Wales (479, 494, 468, 475, 481, 474). ↓ Denotes a significant decrease from 2019.

The Covid-19 pandemic has undoubtably played a part in this. During the pandemic, the FSA adjusted their expectations of Local Authorities in recognition of the challenges they faced in delivering their statutory food functions whilst having to prioritise protecting communities. Consequently, Local Authorities were asked to focus resource on the most high-risk establishments while deferring planned interventions, particularly for low risk premises.

The proportion of businesses recalling an inspection report letter varied somewhat across the different outlet types in England and Northern Ireland. Businesses in retail in England were less likely than average to recall an inspection letter (67% of those who have a food hygiene rating), whilst takeaway businesses in Northern Ireland were more likely than average to recall such a letter (94%). In Wales there was less outlet type variation in recall levels. The proportion that recalled an inspection report letter was the same regardless of the food hygiene rating that the business held. 

Figure 7.2 Proportion of each outlet type that could recall receiving an inspection report letter

C1. Do you recall if your business received an inspection report letter from the local authority? Base: FBOs who have a food hygiene rating. England (Retail: 117, Accommodation and bars: 90, Catering: 200, Takeaway: 62); Northern Ireland (135, 76, 208, 67); Wales (121, 114, 184, 60). ↑ Denotes significantly higher than total. ↓ Denotes significantly lower than total.

Businesses who had received a letter and who had a food hygiene rating of less than 5 were asked whether they could remember if the letter told them what improvements they would need to make at their premises to achieve the highest food hygiene rating. 

A relatively high proportion of these businesses recalled that the letter included improvement instructions (England 89%, Wales 85%, Northern Ireland 83%). This level of recall was at a similar level to previous years for all three countries, with the exception of a dip in awareness in England in 2017. 

Base sample sizes are too low to explore how recall levels vary by different types of businesses within each of the countries. For all three countries combined there were no differences in the proportion who recalled being sent some instructions on improvements by outlet type, but those with a lower food hygiene rating were slightly more likely to recall the instructions (93% of those with a rating of 0-3 vs 85% of those with a rating of 4). 

Figure 7.3 Recollection of letter instructing how to achieve a maximum rating 

C2. Do you recall if your letter told you what improvements you would need to make to achieve the highest Food Hygiene Rating of 5 at your premises? Base: FBOs who received a letter and have a food hygiene rating of <5. England (2021: 96, 2019: 151, 2018: 187, 2017: 140, 2016: 107, 2015: 117); Northern Ireland (83, 165, 197,163, 138, 12383, 490, 463, 467, 446, 440); Wales (127, 224, 225, 237, 184, 204).

Use of safeguards

Businesses were asked if they knew they could request a re-rating, they could appeal the rating or that alternatively they had a right to reply if they were unhappy with the rating.

Generally, most food businesses were aware of the three options available to them, with the ability to request a re-rating just topping the list in terms of being the most well-known option in all countries. Across all three options, businesses in England consistently had the lowest awareness levels, with three-quarters reporting that they were aware that they could appeal the rating or that they had a right to reply to the rating. 

In England and Northern Ireland, businesses in retail reported the lowest awareness levels, though this trend was not replicated in Wales, where there was little outlet type variation. 

Figure 7.4 Proportion aware of the right to a re-rating, appeal and the right to reply by business outlet type 

C3_1. Following an inspection, are you aware that if you are unhappy with your rating you can request...A re-rating? / An appeal? / A 'right to reply'? Base: FBOs who have a food hygiene rating. England (Total:469, Accommodation and bars: 90, Catering: 200, Retail: 117, Takeaway: 62); Northern Ireland (486, 76, 208, 135, 67); Wales (479, 114, 184, 121, 60). ↓ Denotes significantly lower than total.

Applying for a re-rating or exercising right to reply

All food businesses aware of the re-rating and right to reply options were asked if they had taken-up either of these options. Despite high awareness of both, few businesses reported that they had requested either a re-rating or exercised their right to reply. 

As shown in Table 7.1 and Table 7.2, only around 1 in 20 reported that they had used these safeguards. That said, there were a couple of notable exceptions with 16% of takeaway businesses in England exercising their right to reply, and 10% of accommodation businesses and bars, pubs and nightclubs in Northern Ireland requesting a re-rating.

Table 7.1 Proportion of food businesses who have applied for a re-rating by outlet type

Business type	England	Northern Ireland	Wales
Total	5%	4%	5%
Accommodation and bars	7%	10%*	8%
Restaurants and catering	5%	2%	7%
Retail	1%	3%	3%
Takeaway	7%	6%	4%

C4. Has your establishment applied for a re-rating inspection from the local authority since your last inspection? Base: FBOs who have a food hygiene rating and aware of ability to apply for a re-rating. England (Total:377, Accommodation and bars: 83, Catering: 176, Retail: 73, Takeaway: 45); Northern Ireland (427, 66, 183, 116, 62); Wales (436,105, 165, 111, 55). * Denotes a significant increase since 2019. It should be noted that these are self-reported figures and may differ from actual rates of use.

Table 7.2 Proportion of food businesses who have exercised right to reply by outlet type

Business type	England	Northern Ireland	Wales
Total	7%	7%	7%
Accommodation and bars	6%	10%	7%
Restaurants and catering	5%	8%	6%
Retail	4%	2%**	6%
Takeaway	16%*	9%	11%

C7. Has your establishment exercised its 'right to reply' by sending comments to the local authority about the most recent rating you have been given? Base: FBOs who have a food hygiene rating and aware that can exercise right to reply. England (Total:348, Accommodation and bars: 77, Catering: 151, Retail: 76, Takeaway: 44); Northern Ireland (424, 69, 184, 113, 58); Wales (425, 104, 161, 106, 54). * Denotes a significant increase since 2019. ** Denotes a significant decrease since 2019. It should be noted that these are self-reported figures and may differ from actual rates of use.

Although findings for 2019 are not directly comparable, they did show a similar situation where few businesses had taken any subsequent action about their rating. Asked whether they had exercised their right to a re-rating inspection, 6% of establishments in England and Wales said they had done so in 2019, whilst the equivalent figure was 5% for Northern Ireland. Equally when asked whether they had exercised their right to reply, 6% of businesses in England said they had done so and 10% in Northern Ireland and Wales. These figures were stable compared to 2018.

Experience of applying for a re-rating

Those who were not satisfied with their food hygiene rating were asked why they did not apply for a re-rating. Sample sizes by each country were low for this question (England 28, Northern Ireland 25, Wales 38), but the combined results in Figure 7.5 shows that the most common reasons were not having made all the changes, the process coinciding with the start of lockdown, the fees were too high and other competing priorities.

The base sample size for this question has also been low in previous years, but the top reasons given by businesses were similar, in that they were waiting for improvements to be made, the fees were too high or that they had not had the time. Naturally the impact of the COVID-pandemic was not mentioned in 2019.

Figure 7.5 Reason for not applying for a re-rating (results for all countries combined) 

C5. Why did you not apply for a re-rating? Base: All FBOs not satisfied with the food hygiene rating but did not apply for re-rating. All countries: 91.

Of those who said they applied for a re-rating, around a quarter (28%) reported being awarded a higher food hygiene rating. This was particularly pronounced in Wales (12 out of the 24 businesses in Wales answering this question claimed they were awarded a higher rating) ^{(footnote 1)}.  By way of comparison, in 2019 around half of the businesses who put in a request for a re-rating were awarded a higher rating (34 out of 71). 

Figure 7.6 Result of request a re-rating (results for all countries combined)

C6. And what was the result of this request for a re-rating? Base: All FBOs who applied for a for re-rating. All countries: 60.

Exercising right to reply 

Food businesses who were not satisfied with their food hygiene rating but did not exercise their right to reply were asked why this was the case. In each country a wide range of reasons were given, but the most common ones were the impact of COVID-19, the fact that they applied for a re-rating instead and because they did not think it was necessary. 

Again, base sample sizes were too low to allow for meaningful sub-group analysis by country (England 25, Northern Ireland 27, Wales 28), but there is some indication that businesses in Wales and Northern Ireland were more likely to say that the cost of a right to reply was too high . It should be noted that there is no fee charged for a right to reply. 

It is difficult to draw any firm conclusions from comparisons to 2019, but top reasons in 2019 were slightly different in that more businesses said they didn’t want to spend the time going through the process, that they were not aware it was an option or simply felt that the rating was fair enough. As in 2021, however, quite a lot of businesses said they did not think it was necessary.

Figure 7.7 Reason for not exercising right to reply (results for all countries combined)

C8. Why did you not exercise your 'right to reply'? Base: All FBOs who were not satisfied with the food hygiene rating but did not exercise their right to reply. All countries: 80.

 

 

This chapter covers how food businesses displaying a food hygiene rating feel about the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme (FHRS). Specifically, it looks at changes made by businesses with a food hygiene rating of less than five in order to improve their rating at the next inspection  and what kind of impact they feel the scheme has on their business and potential customers. It also explores actual and potential use of food hygiene ratings in promotion and advertising.

Business and customer perceptions of food hygiene ratings

Overall, most businesses are incentivised to maintain or improve their food hygiene rating and consider that the display of their rating has a range of positive impacts on customer perceptions of the business. 

Figure 8.1 Perceptions of FHRS

B23. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements about the Food Hygiene Rating scheme....? Base: FBOs with FHRS on display (England 403, Northern Ireland 483, Wales 464).

As presented in Figure 8.1, across England, Northern Ireland, and Wales, nearly all food businesses (97-99%) agreed that they worked hard to maintain or improve their food hygiene rating and that displaying a food hygiene rating proved to consumers that the business takes food hygiene seriously. 

Furthermore, more than nine in ten stated that they were proud of their food hygiene rating. Perhaps unsurprisingly, across all countries, those with a rating of five were more likely to be proud (England: 99% vs 95% on average; Northern Ireland: 99% vs 95% on average; Wales: 99% vs 92% on average). There were differences by outlet type within both England and Northern Ireland. In England, restaurants and cafés were more likely to be proud of their rating (98% vs 95%), while in Northern Ireland retail food businesses were more likely (99% vs 95%).

However, agreement was notably lower with regards to the impact the scheme has on levels of custom. There was widespread agreement that good food hygiene ratings were attractive to customers (England: 94%; Northern Ireland: 94%; Wales: 81%), and around two-thirds agreed that displaying a food hygiene rating resulted in more customers (England: 69%; Northern Ireland: 68%; Wales: 66%). In both England and Northern Ireland, takeaways and sandwich shops were more likely to agree that trade was enhanced by display of their rating (England: 83% vs 69% average; Northern Ireland: 93% vs 68%). There were no significant differences by outlet type in Wales for this statement. 

Use of food hygiene ratings for promotion

Across each nation, less than a quarter of food businesses said they used their food hygiene rating to promote their business (England: 21%; Northern Ireland: 23%; Wales: 24%). For example, through display in advertising, their website or on menus. 

In England and Wales takeaway businesses and sandwich shops stood out as more likely to use food hygiene ratings in promotional materials (England: 35% vs 21% on average; Wales: 35% vs 24% on average). Meanwhile retail businesses were less likely to in England (10% vs 21% on average), Northern Ireland (15% vs 23% on average) and Wales (17% vs 24% on average). Moreover, Welsh food businesses with a rating of five were more likely than those with a rating of three or less to use their rating in advertisements (27% vs 11%). However – perhaps surprisingly - in England and Northern Ireland the rating had no influence.

Figure 8.2 presents the channels used by food businesses that use their food hygiene rating to advertise. Across all three countries, a food business’ personal website was by far the most common channel. In England, over half (56%) of those that used their rating in advertisements did so on their own website, while in Northern Ireland and Wales it was around two-thirds (Northern Ireland: 66%; Wales: 64%). This equates to 11% of all businesses in England, 15% in Northern Ireland and 15% in Wales claiming to advertise their food hygiene rating on their own website – proportions considerably higher than the levels of online display found in the audit of businesses where rates were 3% in England, 4% in Northern Ireland and 7% in Wales. 

Figure 8.2 Channels used to advertise food hygiene ratings

B18. Does your business currently use, or has it previously used, your Food Hygiene Rating in any of the following ways? Base: FBOs who use their FHRS to advertise (England: 95, Northern Ireland: 111, Wales: 114).

Only a minority of businesses in England, Northern Ireland and Wales reported using online ordering functions on delivery service websites / apps, social media or their own website ^{(footnote 1)}.  Amongst these businesses the inclusion of their food hygiene rating on these platforms was relatively low.

• one in eight businesses in England (13%), one in five businesses in Northern Ireland (21%) and one in four businesses in Wales (24%) that sold food through an ordering function on their own website said they displayed their rating on this platform
• between one in ten and one in seven businesses that used third party delivery services said they displayed their rating on this platform (England: 10%; Northern Ireland: 12%; Wales: 14%)
• between one in ten and one in fourteen businesses that sold food through social media said they displayed their rating on this platform (England: 8%; Northern Ireland: 10%; Wales: 7%) 

Although only a minority of businesses currently used their food hygiene rating to advertise their business, around two-fifths of those who do not in England (41%), Northern Ireland (41%) and Wales (38%) said they would consider doing so in the future. 

Changes made as a result of FHRS

Across all three nations, most food businesses that had received a food hygiene rating of four or less reported making changes in an attempt to improve their rating. In England, nearing nine in ten (87%) businesses had made changes, while around eight in ten businesses in Wales (82%) and Northern Ireland (78%) had. The proportion of food businesses saying that they had taken action to improve their food hygiene was in line with previous years in all countries.

As presented in Figure 8.3, the most commonly reported action taken by food businesses to improve their rating was purchasing new equipment and undertaking repairs. This was cited by more than two-fifths of businesses in England (44%) and Northern Ireland (41%) and around a third of businesses in Wales (35%). 

Figure 8.3 Changes made to improve food hygiene ratings

B9. What changes have you made at your premises in order to achieve a higher Food Hygiene Rating at your next inspection? Base: FBOs with a rating of less than five and made changes to improve their rating (England: 109, Northern Ireland: 75, Wales: 124).

As presented in Tables 8.4 to 8.6, compared to 2019, there has been considerable movement in the nature of the changes businesses said they made to improve their food hygiene rating. 

Table 8.1 Changes made to improve food hygiene ratings over time (2018-2021), England

Changes	2021 (n=109)	2020 (n=127)	2019 (n=112)
Purchasing additional equipment/undertaking repairs	44%	43%	37%
Improve documentation/record keeping	29%*	11%	10%
Cleaning of the workplace/premises	24%*	13%	10%
Cleaning equipment more regularly	22%	27%	20%

B9. What changes have you made at your premises in order to achieve a higher Food Hygiene Rating at your next inspection? Base: FBOs with a rating of less than five who have made changes to the way they do things in order to improve their rating. See table for bases. * Denotes a significant increase since 2019. ** Denotes a significant decrease since 2019.

Table 8.2 Changes made to improve food hygiene ratings over time (2018-2021), Northern Ireland

Changes	2020 (n=75)	2019 (n=119)	2018 (n=135)
Purchasing additional equipment/undertaking repairs	41%*	27%	43%
Improve documentation/record keeping	18%	17%	7%
Cleaning of the workplace/premises	24%*	9%	10%
Cleaning equipment more regularly	14%	25%	14%

B9. What changes have you made at your premises in order to achieve a higher Food Hygiene Rating at your next inspection? Base: FBOs with a rating of less than five who have made changes to the way they do things in order to improve their rating. See table for bases. * Denotes a significant increase since 2019. ** Denotes a significant decrease since 2019.

Table 8.3 Changes made to improve food hygiene ratings over time (2018-2021), Wales

Changes	2021 (n=124)	2019 (n=134)	2018 (n=122)
Purchasing additional equipment/undertaking repairs	35%*	48%	45%
Improve documentation/record keeping	33%*	14%	12%
Cleaning of the workplace/premises	24%*	3%	20%
Cleaning equipment more regularly	17%	16%	20%

B9. What changes have you made at your premises in order to achieve a higher Food Hygiene Rating at your next inspection? Base: FBOs with a rating of less than five who have made changes to the way they do things in order to improve their rating. See table for bases. * Denotes a significant increase since 2019. ** Denotes a significant decrease since 2019.

 

 

 

 

However, it is difficult to isolate how much the pandemic has had an impact on survey results. Certainly, key measures – for example around awareness of and attitudes towards the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme – have remained largely consistent over time. 

Food hygiene remains highly important to businesses, who value its role in enhancing their reputation and attracting customers. The scheme also clearly drives change, with around four in five businesses who received a rating of less than 5 taking action to improve their hygiene rating at the next inspection (England: 87%; Northern Ireland: 78%; Wales: 82%).

n England, the most notable finding is that there continues to be a lower level of display compared to Wales and Northern Ireland although there is a gradual upward trend in the number of businesses displaying their food hygiene rating sticker (from 55% in 2017 to 64% in 2021). Among those not displaying a sticker, a higher rating was the most commonly identified factor that would encourage  display (18%) and around one in ten said they would display a sticker if it was a legal requirement (9%). 

While display rates in Northern Ireland (84%) and Wales (85%) are significantly higher – no doubt due to display being mandatory – there is reason to continue to monitor display rates carefully. Display rates (either inside or in a location visible from outside) have fallen (from 89%) since 2019 in Northern Ireland, although they are in line with longer-term results. And in Wales the proportion displaying the correct statutory sticker was also down since 2019 (from 91%).

The reduction in the proportion of Northern Irish and Welsh businesses displaying an FHRS sticker in a location visible from outside their premises should be considered in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. During the pandemic, Local Authorities were required to defer the routine inspection of many food businesses and focus resource on the most high-risk establishments. Consequently, there was less opportunity for inspectors to check non-display of rating stickers and prompt businesses to correct this. There was also considerable upheaval in the food industry during the pandemic, with many businesses temporarily closing and changing management and/or ownership. 

There is a higher level of support in England for mandatory display than has been seen in previous years, with 85% of businesses in favour.  There are also very high levels of support in England (91%), Northern Ireland (93%) and Wales (94%) for the display of food hygiene ratings becoming mandatory on at least some online platforms. This presents a clear demand for regulatory action.  

Overall, most businesses are incentivised to maintain or improve their food hygiene rating and consider that the display of their rating has a range of positive impacts on consumer perceptions of the business. Across each country, practically all businesses that displayed their food hygiene rating said they work hard to maintain or improve it (England: 99%; Northern Ireland: 99%; Wales 98%) and agreed that displaying a food hygiene rating shows customers that they take food hygiene seriously (England: 98%; Northern Ireland: 97%; Wales 97%). It was also widely felt that having a higher food hygiene rating gave businesses a competitive advantage over those with lower ratings (England: 83%; Northern Ireland: 80%; Wales 81%).

The message that displaying a food hygiene rating gives a competitive advantage over other businesses could be used to encourage more businesses to promote their ratings in advertisements, menus etc. or online. Use of food hygiene ratings to promote businesses remains relatively low (England: 21%; Northern Ireland: 23%; Wales: 24%) although many claim that they would consider doing so in the future (England: 41%; Northern Ireland: 41%; Wales: 38%).