What the scale means
The Food Hygiene Rating Scheme is run by the Food Standards Agency with local councils. It covers restaurants, takeaways, cafes, pubs, hotels, shops and other places that sell or serve food.
- 5: very good.
- 4: good.
- 3: generally satisfactory.
- 2: improvement necessary.
- 1: major improvement necessary.
- 0: urgent improvement necessary.
What is inspected
Inspectors look at how hygienically food is handled, stored and prepared; the condition of the building, including cleanliness, layout, lighting and ventilation; and how the business manages food safety, including its records. The rating is about hygiene. It does not rate the quality of the food or the service.
Who inspects in Norfolk
Food businesses are inspected by environmental health officers at the district councils: Breckland, Broadland, Great Yarmouth, King's Lynn and West Norfolk, North Norfolk, Norwich and South Norfolk. How often a business is inspected depends on the type of business and its past results.
Finding a rating
Search for any business at ratings.food.gov.uk. In England, businesses do not have to display their sticker, though many do, so check online if you cannot see one. A new business may be listed as awaiting inspection. Check the date of the inspection too.
Ratings can change
A business that has made improvements can ask the council for a re-inspection. A business can also publish a right to reply alongside its rating.
Allergies
Food businesses must be able to tell you if food contains any of the 14 main allergens, such as peanuts, milk, cereals containing gluten or sesame. Food made and packed on the premises before you order it, such as a pre-made sandwich, must have a full ingredients list with the allergens emphasised. Always tell staff about an allergy before you order.
Reporting a problem
If you think a food business has poor hygiene, or you were ill after eating there, report it to the environmental health team at the district council, or use the report a food problem service on food.gov.uk.