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Protecting the People Who Matter Most

Food safety isn’t just a technical issue—it’s a matter of trust, health, and protection. For families, allergy sufferers, pregnant individuals, older adults, and those with underlying health conditions, the decision of where to eat is deeply personal.

Safe to Trade is designed to protect them.

Every year, an estimated 2.4 million cases of foodborne illness occur in the UK, costing the economy over £10 billion.

Dining out is a major contributor, with up to 85% of cases linked to restaurants and takeaways. For vulnerable groups, the risks are amplified—and the need for reassurance is urgent.

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Vulnerable Groups

  • Parents want to know the food their children eat is safe. Over 50% of UK consumers have experienced food poisoning in the past five years.
  • People with food allergies are significantly more likely to check hygiene ratings before eating out. Safe to Trade includes checks on allergen controls and menu accuracy.
  • Pregnancy heightens vigilance. Those pregnant are 9x more likely to trust food businesses that display recent hygiene ratings.
  • Older adults and those with health conditions often have lower immunity. Safe to Trade provides the visible assurance they need to dine safely.
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What Makes Safe to Trade Different?

Unlike static stickers or outdated ratings, Safe to Trade ensures:

  • Unannounced audits by qualified professionals.
  • Annual rechecks and continuous monitoring.
  • Public listings that show a business’s current safety status.
  • Independent governance, ensuring impartiality and integrity.

78% actively look for ratings before choosing where to eat.

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Consumer Confidence

Confidence in food safety drops sharply when inspections are older than a year.

Consumers who check hygiene ratings are more informed, more cautious, and more likely to trust businesses that are transparent.

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A Safer Future for Everyone

Post-pandemic and post-Brexit, public awareness of food safety has surged. People want more than promises—they want proof. Safe to Trade responds to this shift with a modern, consumer-first approach that empowers the public and supports responsible businesses.

Whether you’re choosing a café for your child’s birthday, a takeaway during pregnancy, or a restaurant for an elderly relative, Safe to Trade helps you make that choice with confidence.

Because when it comes to food safety, nothing matters more than protecting the people you care about.

All the Ways Safe to Trade Keeps You Safer

Safe to Trade is designed to protect your health, build your confidence and help you choose safer places to eat. Whether you’re dining out with children, managing allergies, pregnant, elderly or simply cautious—Safe to Trade puts your wellbeing first:

1. Confidence in Clean, Safe Food

2. Protection for Vulnerable Groups

3. Transparency You can Trust

4. More than a Hygiene Rating

5. Backed by Real Consumer Insights

A Safer Future for Everyone

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FAQs about Safe to Trade

What does the Safe to Trade sticker on a restaurant mean for me as a consumer?

How can I check if a restaurant or takeaway is Safe to Trade approved?

Is Safe to Trade better than the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme (FHRS)?

Can I leave feedback about a Safe to Trade certified business?

How often are Safe to Trade businesses inspected?

What happens if a Safe to Trade business fails an inspection?

Does Safe to Trade help protect people with food allergies?

Why should I choose a Safe to Trade certified venue?