Guide
Why Is Food Hygiene Important?
May
Have you ever walked into a cafe or restaurant wondering about their cleanliness? You may have noticed a food hygiene certificate displayed and wondered what it means. Well, you’re in the right place; today, we will explain the importance of food hygiene and shed some light on the FSA food rating scheme.
What is food hygiene and food safety?
When it comes to food, we want it to be clean and safe, right? That’s where food hygiene and food safety come in. Food hygiene prevents contamination by ensuring food is stored, prepared and cooked safely. While food safety refers to techniques used to ensure food is safe.
What is the national food hygiene rating scheme?
Have you ever wondered how to know if a restaurant has good hygiene standards? Well, the national food hygiene rating scheme (FHRS) is used to help us, as consumers, make informed choices when dining.
Here’s how it works: each business is given a food hygiene rating from zero (worst) to five (best) based on hygiene practices. They are then awarded a food hygiene rating sign for displaying outside their premise.
You can see any business food hygiene rating using the FSA search bar. This is a handy tool that lets you check if your favourite restaurant has passed its food hygiene test.
Who is responsible for enforcing food hygiene legislation?
The FSA is responsible for overseeing food hygiene and safety standards across the UK, but they don’t do it alone – they work hand in hand with local authorities to ensure those standards are followed.
Officers will visit your premises to check that you comply with the FSA food standards.
This inspection will examine how food is stored, handled and prepared. As well as the cleanliness of the establishment and the food safety management systems in place.
These officers have the right to enter your premise without making an appointment.
What are the 6 ratings of food hygiene?
Food hygiene rating 5
A food hygiene rating of 5 is very good, awarded to businesses with excellent hygiene and safety practices. This food hygiene rating also shows remarkable compliance with the FSA food hygiene rating scheme.
Food hygiene rating 4
A Food hygiene rating of 4 is good. This FSA hygiene rating implies a business has achieved good food health and hygiene. It also demonstrates good food hygiene practices.
Food hygiene rating 3
A food hygiene rating of 3 is generally satisfactory. The business has met the legal requirements for good food hygiene. Whilst they have met requirements, there may be some areas for improvement.
Food hygiene rating 2
A food hygiene rating of 2 means some improvements must be made. This FSA rating outlines that the business generally meets legal requirements; however, a few aspects could be improved. Enforcement officers may suggest a food hygiene course.
Food hygiene rating 1
A food hygiene rating of 1 means that major improvements are necessary. A rating of 1 for food hygiene implies that the business may have some basic cleaning, training or record-keeping issues that need improvement.
Food hygiene rating 0
A food hygiene rating of 0 means that urgent improvement is required. This FSA hygiene rating shows that a food establishment has failed to meet the minimum kitchen hygiene standards, and a lot of improvements need to be made.
What are the consequences of poor food hygiene?
Some may ask ‘why food hygiene is important? ‘. Well, poor food hygiene isn’t just about a dirty kitchen; it can increase the risk of foodborne illnesses, which can pose a real threat to people’s health, especially vulnerable people such as children and people with weak immune systems.
After an inspection, FSA officers will outline food health and hygiene issues. If changes aren’t made, this can result in officers seizing food suspected of unsafe consumption or serving legal notices that could end in prosecution if not adhered to. Yikes!
Furthermore, poor food hygiene can damage a business’s reputation. Unclean premises and food poisoning can lead to bad customer reviews or media coverage. And let’s not forget the financial impact – it could mean losing customers or facing financial loss.
Do you have to have a food hygiene rating?
Legally, you are not obliged to have a food hygiene certification, but it is recommended to undergo a food hygiene course to get a qualification. Whilst it’s not a legal requirement to have a certificate, food businesses are legally required to ensure that all employees handling the food are given appropriate training in food health and hygiene.
Who is expected to have a food hygiene rating?
Any business in the UK that serves food directly to consumers is expected to have a food hygiene rating. This includes hospitals and market stalls. In comparison, newsagents and childminders are exempt as they don’t solely provide food.
How to ensure an excellent food hygiene rating
Are you preparing for a food hygiene inspection, don’t worry; we’ve got your back. Listed below are some handy tips to secure an excellent food hygiene rating:
- Maintain a clean establishment – ensuring all surfaces are clean from countertops to utensils
- Train and educate staff – ensure staff have proper training in food health and hygiene practices
- Keep food records up to date – this includes everything from temperature logs to food supplier information
- Ensure food is stored safely – this means keeping raw and cooked foods separate and temperature is maintained
Now that you know about food hygiene and those top tips to ensure an excellent FSA hygiene rating, we’ve got something special for you. Here at UK Cleaning Supplies, we’ve got a wide range of the best food hygiene products tailor-made for your food business. Why not take a moment to explore our selection?
