Food Standards Agency & the Food Hygiene Rating

Understand the FSA, the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme and your legal duties — and let RTNTS help you prepare for inspection and reach a 5.

The standard

What is FSA?

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is the UK government body responsible for food safety and standards. Together with local authorities it runs the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme (FHRS), which gives your business a rating from 0 to 5 based on a food safety officer's inspection.

The rating reflects how well you meet food hygiene law — covering hygienic food handling, the condition of your premises, and how you manage and record food safety. Displaying your rating is mandatory in Wales and Northern Ireland and encouraged in England. Whatever your rating today, following food hygiene law at all times is your legal responsibility — and that's where RTNTS helps.

Runs

The Food Hygiene Rating Scheme

Rating scale

0 to 5

Display

Mandatory in Wales & NI

Your duty

Comply with food hygiene law

How we help

How RTNTS helps you achieve FSA

We help you understand exactly what an inspecting officer looks for, fix the gaps, and build the systems that earn — and keep — a top rating.

  • Pre-inspection auditA mock EHO inspection that shows precisely where you stand and what to improve.
  • Put it right, fastA prioritised action plan and hands-on help to close gaps before your next visit.
  • Systems & recordsThe HACCP-based documentation and records officers expect to see, made simple.
  • Team trainingFood hygiene training so good practice becomes second nature for your staff.
  • Recover a low scoreTargeted support to turn a 0–2 around and prepare for re-inspection or a re-rating visit.
Our support

Our FSA support includes

Mock inspection

A realistic pre-inspection audit against what the FSA and local officers actually assess.

Systems & records

Practical, HACCP-based paperwork and routines that satisfy inspectors without the overwhelm.

Reach a 5

A clear plan — and hands-on help — to achieve and hold a 5-star Food Hygiene Rating.

Chasing a 5-star Food Hygiene Rating?

Talk to RTNTS about preparing for inspection and reaching the top of the scale — you can also check your current rating with our free FHRS checker.