Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they are planning to require catering outlets to display their hygiene efficiency ratings on their websites in addition to the existing requirement to display them on their premises.
Answered on
16 November 2016
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has responsibility for the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme. Currently, it is voluntary for food businesses in England to display their hygiene ratings. Display has been mandatory in Wales since 2013 and in Northern Ireland since October 2016. Next year, as a result of a further regulation under the statutory scheme in Northern Ireland, businesses which offer online ordering of food will need to publish their rating online, so it can be seen before an order is placed. Wales is also considering introducing further regulations to require the promotion of food hygiene ratings on food businesses’ websites.
The FSA considers that mandatory display of food hygiene ratings in England would be beneficial and are using the evidence from Wales to build a strong case. The FSA is exploring how a statutory scheme, including online display of ratings by businesses, could be delivered in England, aligned with our wider regulatory reform approach. The Government will consider this evidence carefully once it is available.