What is scores on the door?

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 "Scores on the doors" refers to a food hygiene rating system where businesses selling food to the public are rated on a scale from 0 to 5, with 5 being "very good" and 0 needing "urgent improvement". 

This rating system, officially called the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme, is used to help consumers make informed choices about where to eat and purchase food. The ratings are often displayed on the doors or windows of the establishment.  

• Food Hygiene Rating Scheme: This scheme is used in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland to assess the food hygiene standards of businesses. Scotland has a separate scheme. 
• Inspections: Local authorities inspect food businesses to ensure they meet food hygiene regulations. 
• Ratings: Businesses are given a rating from 0 to 5 based on the inspection findings, with 5 being the highest rating and 0 the lowest. 
• Display: Businesses are encouraged to display their rating in a visible location, often on the door or window, according to Evans Vanodine. 
• Purpose: The scheme aims to help consumers make informed choices about where to eat or purchase food by providing a clear indication of food hygiene standards. It also encourages businesses to improve their hygiene practices. 

The Food Hygiene Rating Scheme (FHRS) helps consumers choose where to eat out or shop for food by giving them clear information about a business’s hygiene standards. We run the scheme in partnership with local authorities.

A food safety officer from the local authority inspects your business. They check that it follows food hygiene law so that the food is safe to eat. The officer then gives you a food hygiene rating and the FHRS sticker shortly after the inspection.

The hygiene standards found at the time of inspection are rated on a scale.

Your business will get a rating from 5 to 0:

5 – hygiene standards are very good

4 – hygiene standards are good

3 – hygiene standards are generally satisfactory

2 – some improvement

1 – major improvement

0 – urgent improvement