The Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) is calling on the government to make the display of food hygiene ratings in England mandatory after a recent investigation by The BBC revealed instances of businesses displaying inaccurate ratings.
In Wales and Northern Ireland, businesses have been legally required to display their food hygiene rating sticker in a prominent place like the front door, entrance or window of the business since 2013 and 2016 respectively. Businesses in England do not have to display their rating stickers at their premises but are encouraged to do so.
According to CIEH research, 69% of businesses in England display a food hygiene rating sticker, a statistic it says shows England is missing an opportunity to secure consumer confidence and further protect public health.
The CIEH has repeatedly called for the introduction of a statutory food hygiene rating scheme in England, referencing its impact on driving up food hygiene standards and increasing compliance with food hygiene laws.
The Food Hygiene Rating (Wales) 2013 Act and the Food Hygiene Rating Act 2016 (Northern Ireland) makes it an offence to display an incorrect rating and gives local authorities the power to take action against businesses if they fail to provide the correct rating information when asked by a customer.
The CIEH believes The BBC investigation raised questions regarding the effectiveness of England’s current system after secret recordings captured businesses from small local restaurants to the supermarket chain Sainsbury’s misleading customers with inaccurate ratings. Supported by the expertise of CIEH Food Advisory Panel member and food safety lawyer Jon Payne, the investigation revealed that this issue is not isolated.
Chris Elliott OBE, professor of food safety at Queen’s University Belfast and vice president at CIEH, said: “Everyone deserves to feel confident that the food they and their families consume is safe.
“Food Hygiene Rating Schemes (FHRS) provide consumers with information about the hygiene standards at food establishments, enabling them to make informed choices about where they eat and purchase food.
“With more than four in fives businesses in England supporting the introduction of mandatory display of FHRS, there is no need for further deliberation. The new government must act now to introduce this long-awaited ask and align the UK’s statutory food hygiene standards.”
