Food hygiene rating for event traders

What the rating measures

Inspectors look at the practical routines of the business, and the same ideas apply to a stall. Clean surfaces, hand washing, temperature control, separate handling of raw and ready-to-eat food and written records all show that a business manages food safely.

The Food Standards Agency says the rating is based on three areas: how food is handled, the condition of the premises and facilities, and how the business manages food safety. A 5 is described as very good and a 0 as urgent improvement necessary.

How you get a rating

A rating follows an inspection by the local authority that holds your food business registration. Registering your food business is the first step, which our guide to food business registration for event traders explains.

Display rules by nation

• England: displaying your rating is voluntary, although the Food Standards Agency encourages it.
• Wales: you must display your rating in a prominent place and give it verbally if a customer asks.
• Northern Ireland: the same display and verbal rules apply as in Wales.
• Scotland: runs a separate scheme overseen by Food Standards Scotland, so check its guidance.

Mobile and event traders

The research page does not set out display rules for mobile food businesses, so ask the local authority that registered you how the rules apply to a stall, van or trailer. Many organisers and customers like to see a high rating, and a printed sticker or sign on the stall makes it easy to show.

If you disagree with a rating

You can ask for a re-rating inspection once you have made changes to improve. The Food Standards Agency also says businesses can use a right to reply to send comments to the local authority, with no fee. Check your council's page for the current process and any charge for a re-visit.

Keep standards up between inspections

• Keep written food safety records and show your checks.
• Keep stall surfaces, equipment and hands clean, and have handwashing in place.
• Control temperatures for hot and cold food.
• Follow your allergen process, set out in allergen information for food stalls.

Why a rating matters at events

The Food Standards Agency publishes ratings for England, Wales and Northern Ireland, so customers and organisers can look up your business. If you see a detail that looks wrong, contact your local authority.

A rating gives customers a quick way to judge your stall, and many food hunters check it before they buy. Organisers of food markets and festivals often want to see that traders are registered and inspected. A strong rating can help you win a place and build trust with first-time buyers.

Keep your registration details and any inspection paperwork in a folder that travels with you, so you can show it when an organiser asks. The guide to what event organisers ask to see lists the common requests.