Food hygiene rating scheme

The National Food Hygiene Ratings Scheme (run in partnership with the Food Standards Agency (FSA)), rates the food hygiene standards of food businesses in Preston following a food hygiene inspection.

Please note: all food businesses should display their Food Hygiene Rating stickers and certificates in a prominent place such as front doors and windows.

Business benefits

• Promotes businesses that score highly and encourages more customers
• Helps businesses to meet legal requirements around food hygiene regulations
• Has six different ratings providing room for improvement

Consumer benefits

Enables consumers to make an informed choice about where they choose to eat out or shop for food.

How are ratings worked out?

Following a food hygiene inspection, food businesses are rated from 0 - 5:

5 = very good
4 = good
3 = generally satisfactory
2 = improvement necessary.
1 = major improvement necessary
0 = urgent improvement necessary

This is based on compliance with food hygiene law in the following areas:

• Handling food hygienically
• Premises structure and condition
• Managing and documenting food safety

Please note: the rating does not reflect the quality of food or the standard of service provided to customers.

Achieving a high rating

For information on how to achieve a high food hygiene rating see achieving a high food hygiene rating.

Search for a food hygiene rating

To search for a food hygiene rating in Preston visit

Food Standards Agency - search for a food hygiene rating

What if I don't agree with my rating?

If you are the food business owner and don't agree with your rating, you can do the following actions:

Reply to a rating

You have the right to reply to a food hygiene rating given to your business.

This allows you to explain any unusual circumstances at the time of the inspection. You can also reply to explain actions that have been taken to improve your rating that were detailed in your inspection letter.

For more information see reply to a food hygiene rating.

Appeal a rating

You have the right to appeal a food hygiene rating if you feel it does not reflect the food hygiene standards and food safety management controls found at the time of the inspection.

For more information see appeal a food hygiene rating.

Get a re-inspection

If you have carried out the necessary actions to improve your food hygiene standards identified at the last inspection, you can get a .

Re- inspections allow you to request a re-visit to your business to re-inspect food hygiene standards and re-rate your food hygiene score.

For more information please visit