Food Business Operators - Safe to Trade

Q: What does it mean to be Safe to Trade approved?

Approval means your business has successfully passed an independent audit against the Safe to Trade Standard, demonstrating compliance with food safety, hygiene, allergen control, labelling, and front-of-house cleanliness.

Q: How do I become Safe to Trade certified?

The process includes signing a contract with a Certification Body, undergoing an unannounced audit, addressing any non-conformances, and receiving verification before being listed on the Safe to Trade register.

Q: Is Safe to Trade suitable for small businesses?

Yes. The scheme is designed for all sizes—from small cafés to large hotel chains. Smaller businesses benefit from lower audit costs and access to expert advice and support.

Q: What happens if my business receives a poor FHRS rating while Safe to Trade certified?

If your FHRS rating drops below 3 or FHIS shows “improvement required,” your Safe to Trade status is downgraded to “In Review” and may be revoked unless corrective actions are taken promptly.

Q: How often will my business be audited?

All certified businesses must undergo unannounced audits annually to maintain their Safe to Trade status.

Q: Can I appeal an audit decision or certification outcome?

Yes. FBOs can submit appeals within 7 days of the audit or certification decision. If public health risks are identified, appeals must be submitted within 48 hours, and investigations are fast-tracked.

Q: Does Safe to Trade help with regulatory compliance?

Absolutely. The scheme aligns with UK food safety legislation and complements FHRS. It also supports regulators by providing data insights that help target inspections more effectively.

Q: What are the benefits of certification for my business?

Certification builds customer trust, enhances brand reputation, supports team wellbeing, and helps attract and retain talent. It also sets your business apart from competitors and encourages repeat visits.

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Food hygiene - Allergen safety - Food authenticity - Front of house cleanliness

Join the
movement, get
in the directory.
Show them you're
Safe to Trade.

Show them the
sign of operational
excellence.
Show them you're
Safe to Trade.

Win the trust
of those with
dietary needs.
Show them you're
Safe to Trade.

Build consumer
trust and
your business.
Show them you're
Safe to Trade.

Show them
you're taking
safety seriously.
Show them you're
Safe to Trade.

Show them
the standards
that they value.
Show them you're
Safe to Trade.

Stand out from
the competition.
Show them you're
Safe to Trade.

Making the world
a safer place to eat.
Show them you're
Safe to Trade.

Why get Safe to Trade Approved?

Safe to Trade is more than a window sticker —it’s a business advantage. In a world where 78% of consumers check hygiene ratings before choosing where to eat, visibility and trust are everything. Safe to Trade helps you stand out by going beyond the basics.

Unlike FHRS, Safe to Trade covers allergen controls, food labelling, and front-of-house hygiene. As well as giving you access to real-time customer feedback and technical support. It’s backed by independent governance, ISO 17065-aligned certification.

Consumers—especially families, allergy sufferers, and pregnant individuals—actively seek out venues they can trust. Safe to Trade gives them that assurance, while helping you reduce risk, improve standards, build trust and customer loyalty.

Join the growing number of operators who are choosing Safe to Trade to protect their customers—and grow their business.

Show them you’re Safe to Trade

Get Approved Search the Register

Approved and trusted

Why it Matters

Today’s consumers don’t just want clean kitchens—they expect visible hygiene, clear allergen info, and a safe, seamless experience from front door to dessert.

Safe to Trade helps food businesses meet those expectations by building on the foundations of the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme (FHRS).

What Customers Care About

Instant trust at the door-

A Safe to Trade sticker isn’t just a badge—it’s interactive. Customers can scan the QR code to leave valuable feedback.
Allergen assurance that speaks to everyone

– From staff training to menu clarity, Safe to Trade takes allergen control seriously—giving peace of mind to allergy-aware guests.
Simple, clear safety signals

– No more guesswork. Safe to Trade uses a straightforward Approved/Not Approved model, so customers know exactly where you stand on hygiene, allergens, labelling and front-of-house standards
Hygiene that show

– Clean seating, spotless toilets, and tidy service areas matter. Safe to Trade checks what customers see—not just what’s behind the scenes
Up-to-date standards, always

– Annual audits and fast follow-ups mean your hygiene credentials reflect today’s reality—not a rating from years ago.

Director of Technical & Safety, YO!

“Achieving the Safe to Trade certification is a testament to our unwavering commitment to both food safety and customer satisfaction. It highlights our continuous efforts and dedication to upholding the highest standards across every aspect of our operations. Our guests can enjoy our food with confidence, knowing that we prioritize not only exceptional-tasting dishes but also the safety and well-being of everyone who visits any of our brands. This certification marks a significant milestone in our ongoing journey to deliver quality our guests can trust.”

Operations Director, Hoburne Holiday Parks

“I’m extremely proud of the team for attaining this accreditation. We pride ourselves on offering an outstanding experience to our customers within a safe, attractive environment and to achieve such a high standard, following the unannounced on-site audits by Safe to Trade, is further testament to our commitment.”

Head of Global Risk, Compliance, and Safety, Joe and the Juice

“Safe to Trade audits have been very helpful in monitoring our continuous efforts to provide the highest standards of food hygiene to our guests. The independent certification is also an additional indicator to our guests that we prioritise their health and safety.”

Operations Director Hilton Division /Health & Safety, Klarent Hospitality

“Safe To Trade will provide an additional recognisable Certification demonstrating we operate in a safe hygienic environment for the benefit of our Customers and Teams. Safe to Trade establishes confidence within our Kitchens and Food service areas and validates that we are best in class amongst our peers.”

Safe to Trade vs FHRS: Key Differences for Food Business Operators

Audit Frequency
FHRS inspections can be up to three years apart. Safe to Trade audits are annual, with consistent protocols and independent oversight.
Follow-Up on Failings
FHRS follow-ups can take months. Safe to Trade requires action within 30–60 days. Non-conformance follow up is 30 days, (unless there are exceptional circumstances)
Customer Clarity
FHRS uses a 0–5 scale. Safe to Trade offers a clear Approved/Not Approved status, covering hygiene, allergens, labelling, and front-of-house.
Real-Time Feedback
FHRS doesn’t collect customer feedback. Safe to Trade includes a QR code for instant, direct feedback from guests.

Allergen Control
FHRS includes allergen checks, but Safe to Trade goes further: auditing training, preparation, communication, and labelling, with input from allergy groups.
Labelling & Menus
FHRS doesn’t assess food labelling. Safe to Trade checks food composition, authenticity, and menu accuracy—key to customer trust.
Front-of-House Hygiene
FHRS focuses on back-of-house. Safe to Trade also includes seating, toilets, and visible hygiene—areas that shape customer perception.

Auditor Consistency
FHRS is delivered by 350 local authorities across England, Wales and NI with varying standards. Safe to Trade uses Accredited Bodies and a national Governance Board.
Insight & Oversight
FHRS provides high-level findings. Safe to Trade tracks hygiene standards in detail and identifies trends and risks at business, estate and national levels.
Support & Improvement
FHRS offers limited follow-up. Safe to Trade provides technical advice, support packages, and a framework for continuous improvement.

Access the Safe to Trade Consumer Standard

You can download the full Safe to Trade Hospitality UK Food Safety and Hygiene Standard (v1.4) as a free PDF—a comprehensive, assured guide aligned with UK food safety legislation and Primary Authority Assured Advice.

Prefer a printed copy?
A professionally bound version is available to purchase below.

Download the Safe to Trade Hospitality UK Food Safety and Hygiene Standard (v1.4)

Download the PDF Purchase a Printed Copy

Getting approved is simple. Here’s your step-by-step journey

Getting approved is simple. Here’s your step-by-step journey:

Step 1: Contact an approved Certification Body.
Email: info@shieldsafety.co.uk
Phone: +44 (0)161 504 0860

2. Sign Up

You’ll receive a welcome email with access to the Safe to Trade Standard and a self-assessment checklist.

3. Get Audited

A qualified auditor will carry out an unannounced audit at your location.

4. Review Your Report

You’ll receive a detailed audit report. If any issues are found, you’ll have time to fix them.

5. Fix Any Issues

Submit evidence to show you’ve resolved any non-conformances. You’ll have up to 30 days (or 90 days if you’re new to the programme).

6. Get Verified

Once your fixes are verified, your business is officially Approved and added to the Safe to Trade.

7. Promote Your Status

You’ll receive a marketing pack with a certificate, sticker and digital assets to proudly display your Safe to Trade status.

Get Safe to Trade Approved

Introducing The Safe to Trade Governance Board

The experts shaping the standard that protects your business and your customers.
The Safe to Trade Governance Board is made up of seven industry leaders who’ve spent their careers improving food safety, public health and regulatory systems.

They bring deep expertise and a shared mission to ensure that Safe to Trade is practical, credible and built to help food businesses thrive.

Together, this board ensures Safe to Trade is not just another certification—it’s a trusted, forward-thinking programme that helps food businesses deliver safety, confidence and excellence every day.

Chair