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Written question asked by Mike Martin (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 12 November 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 18 November 2025 (named day). A holding answer was provided on Wednesday, 19 November 2025. A substantive answer was provided by Ashley Dalton (Labour) on Friday, 21 November 2025 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.


Food: Hygiene

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of mandating restaurants in England to display their food hygiene rating.

Answer

The Food Hygiene Rating Scheme is operated by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) in partnership with local authorities across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Evidence from Wales and Northern Ireland demonstrates that mandatory display has improved transparency, which encourages businesses to achieve better levels of compliance with hygiene requirements.

Introducing a statutory scheme in England with mandatory display of ratings at premises and online, would require primary legislation and the securing of a suitable legislative vehicle and parliamentary time. Ministers will consider the options in due course supported by the FSA.

In the meantime, the FSA is continuing to work with its local authority partners to deliver an excellent Food Hygiene Rating Scheme.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
90548
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Hygiene Food Standards Restaurants
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk