Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what discussions he has had with relevant stakeholders on making the display of food safety ratings for food businesses compulsory.

The Food Hygiene Rating Scheme (FHRS) is operated by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) in partnership with local authorities across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Businesses in Wales and Northern Ireland are legally required to display their rating stickers at their premises, while those in England are encouraged to do so.

Introducing a statutory scheme with mandatory display of ratings in England would require primary legislation as well as the securing of a suitable legislative vehicle and parliamentary time. The FSA is considering options to bring forward reforms to food regulation and this will include consideration of a mandatory FHRS in England. Ministers will consider the options in due course.

In the meantime, the FSA continues to work with local authority partners and stakeholders to maintain and improve the impacts of the FHRS which is a highly successful public health initiative.