Why food safety and hygiene matters more than you think

The Hygiene Rating Lowdown

In the UK, every restaurant, café, pub, and takeaway is subject to food hygiene inspections by local authorities. These inspections result in a rating from 0 (urgent improvement needed) to 5 (very good). But here’s the kicker: in England and Scotland, displaying that rating is voluntary. That means your favourite Friday night curry house might have a 2—but you’d never know unless you looked it up.

What Consumers Really Think

A recent study of 750 UK consumers revealed some eye-opening truths:

• Over 78% of people say they check food hygiene ratings before eating out or ordering in.
• Women, people with food allergies, and those who’ve had food poisoning are more likely to check.
• People who actively look for hygiene ratings are significantly more confident in the safety of their food—especially if the inspection was recent (within the last year).
• Confidence drops sharply when inspections are older or when people don’t know how often they happen.

The Confidence Gap

Here’s where it gets interesting: many consumers believe inspections happen more often than they actually do. Some expect monthly checks, while in reality, inspections may only occur every 1–3 years depending on risk level. This mismatch can lead to misplaced trust—or unnecessary worry.
But the study also found that people who believe inspections are frequent or risk-based tend to trust the system more. In other words, transparency and visibility matter.

Why It Matters to You

Foodborne illnesses affect an estimated 2.4 million people in the UK each year, costing the economy over £10 billion. Many of these cases are linked to eating out. That’s why knowing—and trusting—your local food hygiene rating isn’t just a nice-to-know. It’s a must.

What You Can Do

? Check before you eat: Visit https://www.safetotrade.com to search for businesses that meet the Safe to Trade consumer standard.
?? Ask questions: If you don’t see a rating, ask why.
? Report concerns: If you’ve had a bad experience, let your local authority know.
? Stay informed: Especially if you’re pregnant, have allergies or care for someone vulnerable.

Final Thoughts

Food hygiene ratings and The Safe to Trade consumer standard are a window into how seriously a business takes your safety. And the more we as consumers engage with them, the more pressure there is on businesses to raise their standards.
So next time you’re scrolling through takeaway options or heading out for a meal, take a second to check that rating. It’s a small step that could make a big difference.

FAQs

Q: Where can I find a restaurant that is Safe to Trade approved?
A: Visit https://www.safetotrade.com to search for businesses that meet high food safety standards.
Q: Is it mandatory for restaurants to display their food hygiene rating?
A: Only in Wales and Northern Ireland. In England and Scotland, it’s voluntary.
Q: What does a rating of 3 mean?
A: It means the business is generally satisfactory—but many consumers prefer a 4 or 5.
Q: How often are inspections carried out?
A: It varies by risk level. Some places may only be inspected every few years.
Q: What if I’ve had food poisoning?
A: Report it to your local authority. Your feedback helps improve food safety for everyone.