Low food hygiene rating: what the check means
How Senserity checks the food hygiene ratings of a company's premises, what a rating of 0, 1 or 2 means, and what to do before relying on a food supplier.
- Severity
- High
- Category
- Compliance
- Plan
- Free and above
- Test code
- COM-091
What this test checks
Looks up the food hygiene ratings of the company's food premises. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, ratings run from 5 (very good) to 0 (urgent improvement necessary); in Scotland, premises are rated Pass or Improvement Required.
Ratings of 0, 1 or 2, or Improvement Required, mean the local authority found significant problems, and lead to follow-up by the local authority.
What a fail looks like
At least one of the company's food premises has a rating of 2 or below, or Improvement Required in Scotland.
Harmless explanations
- A low rating can be old, and businesses can ask for a re-rating visit once they have made improvements.
- In a chain, one poorly rated site may not reflect the others.
What to do
- Check the rating and inspection date for the premises that would supply you.
- Ask what has been done since and whether a re-rating has been requested.
- For food you will sell or serve, ask for independent audit evidence.
Related tests
Part of the test catalogue. Every check Senserity runs, with its severity and the plan it is available on.
Last reviewed .