What is the first thing consumers look for when choosing where to eat? Is it the menu? The reviews? Or is it the establishment’s Food Hygiene Rating Scheme (FHRS) score?
Food hygiene ratings should be one of the most important factors consumers take into consideration when choosing where to eat as they reflect the standards of food hygiene found on the date of the inspection by the local authority. And yet, they are often misunderstood by some consumers.
To simplify this new information for the public, IFST has created a new Food Science Fact Sheet on Food Hygiene Ratings which will answer the following questions:
- What is the FHRS?
- Who carries out the FHRS audits?
- What is inspected at a FHRS review?
- What do the FHRS ratings mean? … and many more.
Sarah Howarth, author of this factsheet commented “The most recent bi-annual FSA survey tracking consumer attitudes to the food hygiene rating scheme (FHRS) continues to show an increase in awareness of the scheme. There is a high recognition of the food hygiene ratings sticker with increasing numbers using the rating to influence their purchasing choices. Over 80% of consumers in the study felt display of the hygiene rating should be mandatory. So, as we move closer to mandatory display in England in the future, we have put together a simple fact sheet to help answers a few key questions on the FHRS.”
IFST produces a range of publications on topics within food science and technology. From its quarterly magazine to extensive guides, IFST publications are a reliable source for everything food science and technology.
Direct link to IFST Food and Drink Packaging Food Science Fact Sheet; https://www.ifst.org/sites/default/files/Food%20Hygiene%20Ratings_.pdf
You can access this Food Science Fact Sheet along with fact sheets on other topics (e.g. food allergens, hand hygiene and food additives) on our website, please visit: https://www.ifst.org/our-resources/food-science-facts/food-science-fact-sheets