About the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme in Wales
It is now a legal requirement for businesses in Wales to display a food hygiene rating. The Food Hygiene Rating (Wales) Act came into force across Wales in November 2013 which replaced the voluntary scheme (still in place in England).
The scheme is designed to help you choose where to eat out or shop for food by providing information about the hygiene standards in food businesses such as restaurants, pubs, cafés, takeaways, hotels as well as supermarkets and other food shops.
How are the ratings calculated?
Each business is given a rating following an inspection by a food safety officer. This is based on how well the business is meeting the requirements of food hygiene law at that time. The assessment is based on a consideration of the following three elements:
- how hygienically the food is handled - safe food preparation, cooking, re-heating, cooling and storage
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the condition of the structure of the premises - cleanliness, repair, layout, lighting, ventilation and other facilities
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how the business manages what it does to make sure food is safe and so that the officer can be confident standards will be maintained in the future.
Businesses in the area are rated on a scale ranging from 0 (urgent improvement necessary) to a top rating of 5 (very good).
So, whether you’re reserving a table for a special meal out, eating at the local fish and chip shop, enjoying sandwiches at the beach or sampling some delights at a local deli, make sure you check the hygiene rating first.
Where will the food hygiene rating be displayed?
Look out for a green and black food hygiene sticker showing their rating which should be displayed in a prominent place - such as the front door or window - and at all customer entrances. A business is also required to provide information on their rating verbally if asked.
You can check the ratings of business in Conwy online.
What if a business isn’t displaying
If you can’t see a sticker or you think a business is displaying an incorrect rating then please let us know.
Please note that the rating given for an outlet does not reflect the quality of food or the standard of customer service.
Frequently asked questions about the food hygiene rating scheme