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How Bad Is a 1-Star Hygiene Rating?

How Bad Is a 1-Star Hygiene Rating?

Introduction

Displaying food hygiene ratings has been a legal requirement in Wales and Northern Ireland for over a decade. It is mandatory for food businesses in these countries to display their food hygiene rating sticker in a prominent place, for example at the entrance to their premises.  Many people ask:  ”How bad is a 1-star hygiene rating?”  Well, it is a red flag for customers, regulators, and business owners alike.  But just how bad is it?  And what does it actually mean for your business?  Let’s find out.

What Does a 1-Star Hygiene Rating Actually Mean?

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) rates food businesses from 0 to 5 based on their compliance with food hygiene law.  A 1-star hygiene rating indicates major improvement is necessary in at least one of these areas:

  • Food handling & hygiene – Poor hygienic practices, incorrect food storage, or unsafe preparation, cooking, reheating, cooling, storage.
  • Cleanliness and Structural issues – Dirty premises, pest problems, poor structural conditions, poor maintenance issues.
  • Management of food safety – Lack of food safety procedures, poor record-keeping, staff not trained properly and lack of confidence that standards will be maintained in the future.

So how bad is a 1-star hygiene rating?  Well, while it doesn’t mean automatic closure, it does means the business is on thin ice and needs to take urgent action.

So How Bad Is a 1-Star Hygiene Rating?

On its own, a 1-star hygiene rating doesn’t mean much – until you put it into context. So let’s do that by comparing it to the ratings above and below it.

Under the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme (FHRS), businesses receive a rating from 5 to 0, which is displayed on a sticker. After an inspection, the local authority sends the rating sticker by post, along with a letter and a report detailing the findings. (We’ll cover how these ratings are calculated in a future article.)

Here’s how the rating scale works:

  • 5-Star – Hygiene standards are very good.
  • 4-Star – Hygiene standards are good.
  • 3-Star – Hygiene standards are generally satisfactory.
  • 2-Star – Some improvement is necessary.
  • 1-Star – Major improvement is necessary.
  • 0-Star – Urgent improvement is necessary.

Subjective Interpretation of a 1-Star Hygiene Rating

As a former EHO and food hygiene consultant, I always tell my clients: a 3-star hygiene rating is technically compliant but nothing to be proud of. It means the business scraped through the inspection. Many businesses assume 3-stars is a ‘safe’ rating, but in reality, it signals mediocre performance with plenty of room for improvement. 

For businesses that want to be seen as the best, a 3-star rating tells customers there’s a gap between expectation and reality – one that could cost them business.

In comparison, a 1-star hygiene rating is pretty poor.  If you care about your business, you wouldn’t want to stay with a 1-star hygiene rating for long!

What Is The Impact of a 1-Star Hygiene Rating?

A 1-star hygiene rating doesn’t just sit quietly in a report – it can have serious consequences:

  • Loss of Customers – Research shows that over 75% of diners check food hygiene ratings before eating out. Whilst a 3-star rating may be the lowest many customers will accept, a 1-star hygiene rating is often a dealbreaker.
  • Damage to Reputation – The local Press love a 1-star hygiene rating story. Bad reviews and social media backlash can spread quickly.

••Enforcement Action – EHOs may issue improvement notices, revisit more frequently, or even take legal action if standards don’t improve.

Can You Still Trade With a 1-Star Hygiene Rating?

Yes, a 1-star hygiene rating won’t automatically force your business to close. However, it does put the business at risk of:

  • Losing corporate clients, event bookings, or delivery partnerships.
  • Increased insurance premiums due to poor compliance.
  • Being targeted more frequently by EHOs for spot checks and enforcement.

Big brands may weather the storm due to strong customer loyalty, but for independent businesses, a low rating can have devastating, longer lasting consequences.

How To Fix a 1-Star Hygiene Rating Fast?

If you’ve been hit with a 1-star hygiene rating, the good news is it’s not permanent. 

We’ll cover what action you can take in a future article.  But in summary, here’s what you need to do to fix it.  Start by carefully reviewing the EHO inspection report to pinpoint exactly where your business fell short.

  1. Correct Critical Hygiene Issues Immediately – Address any pest problems, carry out deep cleaning (where necessary), and correct unsafe food handling practices.
  2. Update Paperwork & Training  – Ensure your food safety management system accurately reflects your operations, including the food you prepare, serve, and sell. Retrain staff on relevant paperwork to ensure compliance in their specific roles
  3. Appeal Your Rating – If you believe the score is wrong or unfair, you can challenge it with supporting evidence.
  4. Submit a Right to Reply on the FSA database to explain what has been done to improve since the inspection. While this won’t change your rating, it ensures potential customers and business partners see your side of the story.
  5. Request a Re-inspection (Re-Rating Visit)  – Once improvements are made, apply for a paid revisit from your local authority.

Many business owners don’t realise these safeguard options exist, missing a chance to protect their business.

Final Thoughts

We started with the question ”how bad is a 1-star hygiene rating”.   And we determined that it can have serious consequences for any business, if ignored.  It’s also a wake-up call.  Any business with a 1-star hygiene rating should be acting fast, and taking control.  It is possible not only to recover – but to come back stronger.

👉 Need help managing a hygiene rating crisis?  Download the Crisis Comms Kit. Use to control the narrative and rebuild trust.

Send Me The Crisis Comms Kit

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