The Food Standards Agency (FSA) marks ten years of mandatory Food Hygiene Rating display

This month marks ten years since food businesses in Northern Ireland have been required to display their Food Hygiene Rating sticker in a prominent position where customers can easily see it, helping customers make informed choices about where they eat or buy food.

At an event on 19 October at Parliament Buildings, Stormont, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) and district councils, along with representatives from the food industry and other key stakeholders came together to celebrate the milestone. The Food Hygiene Rating Scheme (FHRS), which is delivered through a partnership between the FSA and Northern Ireland’s eleven district councils, has operated since 2010 and became statutory under the Food Hygiene Rating Act (Northern Ireland) 2016, when displaying ratings became mandatory.

Under the Scheme, Environmental Health Officers carry out inspections and issue ratings to businesses selling food to consumers.  The familiar green and black stickers provide people with clear information about the hygiene standards found during inspections.

Since FHRS was introduced, food hygiene standards across Northern Ireland have shown sustained improvement. Over 99% of food businesses now hold a rating of 3 or above and 84% achieving the highest rating of 5.

The anniversary event recognised the contribution of district councils, Environmental Health Officers and food businesses in delivering the scheme and supporting high standards of food hygiene across Northern Ireland.

Professor Susan Jebb, Chair of the Food Standards Agency said:

“Ten years of mandatory Food Hygiene Rating display is an important milestone for Northern Ireland.

“The scheme has taken something technical and made it accessible to everyone, giving customers clear information about food hygiene standards and helping them make informed choices about where they eat and shop.

“It’s also a testament to the strategic partnership between the FSA, district councils and food businesses and the dedication of Environmental Health Officers who deliver the scheme on the ground.

“As we celebrate this anniversary, lets also look forward to the next 10 years of FHRS and giving people food they can trust.”

Christina McErlean, Head of Environmental Health Commercial Team at Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council said:

“The Food Hygiene Rating Scheme is about much more than displaying a sticker in a window. It reflects the important work Environmental Health Officers carry out every day to assess food hygiene standards and support businesses in meeting their responsibilities.

“Over the past ten years, mandatory display has helped make food hygiene information more visible to customers, while encouraging businesses to achieve and maintain high standards.

“This anniversary is an opportunity to recognise the commitment of Environmental Health Officers and food businesses across Northern Ireland and the important role they play in protecting public health.”

Food Hygiene Ratings range from 0 (urgent improvement necessary) to 5 (very good), reflecting the hygiene standards found at the time of inspection.

The FSA is encouraging customers to look for the green and black Food Hygiene Rating Sticker or check the business’s rating online at food.gov.uk/ratings before deciding where to eat, shop or order food.

In NI, 99.3% of food businesses hold a rating of 3 or above, 95.6% have a 4 or 5 rating and 84% have the highest rating of 5.

Food Hygiene Ratings can be checked online at food.gov.uk/ratings.