The data shows that this year 87% of premises in the UK scored 4 and above and 68% received a score of 5, giving them a ‘very good’ accreditation. Nottingham has the highest average rating in the UK scoring 4.75, followed by Belfast (4.64) and Brighton (4.59).
Ratings are approached differently in Scotland, where the Food Hygiene Information Scheme provides a ‘pass’ or ‘improve’ status to businesses. This too saw an improvement, with 91.8% of establishments in Scotland receiving a pass - increasing from 89.5% back in 2019.
Given that 95% of consumers are looking to maintain increased hygiene standards, such as frequent hand washing post-pandemic, general cleanliness and hygiene will likely continue to be at the forefront of customers' minds when eating out for the foreseeable future.
Eilidh Paton, owner of Alba Food Safety Consultancy and Chartered Environmental Health Officer, said: "Food hygiene inspections and ratings are extremely important. From a legal perspective, they ensure businesses are compliant, but mostly, they are designed to help businesses provide safer food.
“It also gives consumers the assurance that businesses are safe to eat in as they are regularly inspected by competent officers. Customers should be aware of Food hygiene ratings, so they can spend their money in businesses that invest in their safety.”
To see a full overview of food hygiene ratings in the UK, visit: https://www.highspeedtraining.co.uk/hub/food-hygiene-ratings-report-2022/.