The Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) has urged the government to mandate the display of food hygiene ratings in England.
The ask follows the BBC’s recent investigation into businesses, including convenience stores, displaying inaccurate food hygiene ratings.
CIEH noted that it has repeatedly called for the introduction of a statutory food hygiene rating scheme in England, referencing its impact on driving up food hygiene standards and increasing compliance with food hygiene laws.
Over nine in ten businesses in Northern Ireland (91%) and Wales (92%), where the display of food hygiene ratings is mandatory, display a food hygiene rating sticker, whereas in England, which adopts a voluntary scheme, this number is only 69 per cent.
The Food Hygiene Rating (Wales) 2013 Act and the Food Hygiene Rating Act 2016 (Northern Ireland) make it an offence to display an incorrect rating and gives local authorities the power to take action against businesses if they fail to provide the correct rating information when asked by a customer.
England is missing a “clear opportunity to secure consumer confidence and further protect public health,” CIEH remarked, adding that the BBC investigation “rightly raises questions” regarding the effectiveness of England’s current system.
Supported by the expertise of CIEH food advisory panel member and food safety lawyer, Jon Payne, the investigation revealed that this issue is not isolated.
“Everyone deserves to feel confident that the food they and their families consume is safe,” Chris Elliott, professor of food safety at Queen's University Belfast and vice president at CIEH, said.
“Food Hygiene Rating Schemes provide consumers with information about the hygiene standards at food establishments, enabling them to make informed choices about where they eat and purchase food.
“With more than four in fives businesses in England supporting the introduction of mandatory display of FHRS, there is no need for further deliberation. The new government must act now to introduce this long-awaited ask and align the UK’s statutory food hygiene standards.”
