''Is it illegal to not display a food hygiene rating sticker?''
This is a repeated question that I get asked by business owners.
Let’s clear this up — do you actually have to put that green-and-black food hygiene rating sticker in your window?
The short answer: well, it depends where in the UK your business is based.
The longer answer? Let’s break it down simply. And remember, the hygiene rating sticker isn’t just about following display rules — it’s a visible signal of what food safety really means to your customers.
Table of Contents
🟢 In England: Displaying Your Hygiene Rating Sticker Is Voluntary
''Do I have to display my food hygiene rating sticker in England?''
No, in England, displaying your food hygiene rating sticker is voluntary. There’s no legal requirement (yet) to put the hygiene rating sticker on show — not on your front door or window, mobile vehicle, trailer or temporary food stall.
But just because it’s not a legal requirement doesn’t mean it’s without consequences.
Customers are more aware of food safety than ever. They are becoming aware to look for that green sticker. If it’s missing, they may assume the worst — and that can hurt your reputation, especially if competitors are proudly displaying their 4s or 5s.
So while it is not currently law, there is pressure — for the Government to make it mandatory. Especially since the ITV and BBC investigation reveal stores, including a Sainsbury, misleading customers with false hygiene rating stickers.
Businesses in England are advised to start preparing for the law to change.
🟨 In Scotland: A Different Voluntary System Is In Place
"Do I have to display my food hygiene rating sticker in Scotland?''
In Scotland, the hygiene rating system is slightly different. Businesses are rated Pass or Improvement Required, not 0–5. The scheme is voluntary, and run by Food Standards Scotland, not the FSA.
Again, there’s no legal requirement to display the food hygiene rating sticker in Scotland — but some local councils strongly encourage it, and consumers are starting to expect it.
Whilst displaying the hygiene rating sticker is not mandatory in Scotland, all food hygiene ratings across the whole of the UK, are made available online to provide transparency to customers. You can check Food Hygiene Ratings Online here.
🟥 In Wales & Northern Ireland: Mandatory Display of a Hygiene Rating Sticker Is Required
''Do I have to display my food hygiene rating sticker in Wales?''
If you’re based in Wales or Northern Ireland you do not have a choice. Displaying your food hygiene rating sticker is a mandatory legal requirement.
You must:
- Display the most recent hygiene rating sticker.
- Place it where it is clearly visible near customer entrances.
- It is good practice but not currently mandatory (although this may become law soon) to publish the hygiene rating online on the business website. Learn about the new guidance for out-of-home food businesses in our updated guide.
Failure to display a valid food hygiene rating is an offence. A fixed penalty notice can be issued to businesses that do not display a valid rating. Businesses can also be prosecuted in the Magistrates court for non-compliance. This Bridgend business was fined almost £5000 for failing to display a food hygiene rating sticker.
The law is clear — and enforcement officers can, and do, act on it.
Nevertheless, hygiene sticker fraud is occurring across the UK: False Hygiene Rating (FHRS) Stickers – What It Means for You.
⚠️ Consequences of Failing To Display A Food Hygiene Rating Sticker
''Are there consequences for not displaying my hygiene rating sticker in Wales?''
If you’re based in Wales or Northern Ireland you do not have a choice. Displaying your food hygiene rating sticker is a mandatory legal requirement.
Failure to display a valid food hygiene rating in Wales or Northern Ireland is an offence. A fixed penalty notice can be issued to businesses that do not display a valid rating. Businesses can also be prosecuted in the Magistrates court for non-compliance. This Bridgend business was fined almost £5000 for failing to display a food hygiene rating sticker.
The law is clear — and enforcement officers can, and do, act on it.
Nevertheless, hygiene sticker fraud is occurring across the UK: False Hygiene Rating (FHRS) Stickers – What It Means for You
⚖️ Comparison of the Hygiene Rating Sticker Display Rules Across The UK
''Where in the UK do you have to display your food hygiene rating?''
The table below shows you a visual comparison of the hygiene rating sticker display rules across the UK.
❓Why Some Businesses Don’t Display Their Hygiene Rating Sticker?
''I'm disappointed with my hygiene rating sticker so I don't want to display it - does it matter?''
If your business is located in England or Scotland, you are legally in the clear if you do not display your hygiene rating sticker — but be aware of how it might look to customers and suppliers.
Here are some common reasons I hear why businesses don’t display their rating sticker:
Poor rating: Hoping to avoid negative attention (but feeling embarrassed, disappointed, angry and frustrated)
Still waiting: Applied for a re-score, but not yet reinspected
Don’t know the rules: Especially new owners or franchises
No sticker: It never arrived in the post, or it was damaged
If you’re in Wales or Northern Ireland, failing to display a valid food hygiene rating in a prominent position is an offence. A fixed penalty notice can be issued to businesses that do not display a valid rating. Businesses can also be prosecuted in the Magistrates court for non-compliance. This Bridgend business was fined almost £5000 for failing to display a food hygiene rating sticker.
The law is clear — and enforcement officers can, and do, act on it.
❓Should You Voluntarily Display The Hygiene Rating Sticker?
''My business is located in England, should I display my hygiene rating sticker even though it's not yet a legal requirement?''
Honest opinion: even with a less-than-perfect score, you might be better off displaying your hygiene rating sticker where it is voluntary.
Let me explain the reasons for this:
🔹The hygiene rating sticker builds customer trust — and honesty goes a long way.
🔹You can control your story if you have a dismal food hygiene rating sticker. Grab the Crisis Comms Kit at the end of this post to receive free tools to protect your business reputation.
🔹If your hygiene rating sticker is not on display, people may assume your business is hiding something.
The Food Standards Agency published a survey in 2023 that found businesses in England with a rating of 5 were more likely to display their hygiene rating sticker (77%), while those with a rating of 4 (43%) or 3 (39%) were less likely.
So you could turn this into a positive opportunity by displaying your hygiene rating sticker where it is voluntary, even when your competitors may hide theirs.
Use it as a chance to show your food hygiene standards are improving and that your business is committed to customer safety. Customers do care!
Looking for more creative ways to turn your hygiene rating sticker into a marketing advantage? Check out our latest post: How to Use Your Hygiene Rating as a Marketing Tactic.
Not Happy With Your Hygiene Rating Sticker Score?
Have you recently received a dismal food hygiene rating score? That’s ok – but don’t just accept it. There are three protections (known as safeguards) in place. You have the option to:
🔹Appeal the decision (Read out FAQ Guide about Hygiene Rating Appeals).
🔹Submit a “right of reply”
🔹Request a re-inspection after making improvements.
To get more help with this, read our post about what to do next after a poor food hygiene inspection.
Summing Up
🟥 In Wales and Northern Ireland, displaying the hygiene rating sticker is the law (it’s a mandatory requirement).
🟢In England and Scotland, it’s currently voluntary, but businesses should start to prepare for a change in the law soon.
🟨 Think strategically. Honesty and transparency builds more trust than trying to hide a low score on a hygiene rating sticker.
Want help turning negative vibes from a disappointing hygiene rating into something positive?
Grab the Crisis Comms Kit for practical steps on what to say and how to say it — without making things worse if your business receives a low food hygiene rating.
This FREE Reputation Rescue toolkit is the way to control your story.
Contains everything you need to protect your business reputation in an emergency following a poor hygiene rating.
Claim Your FREE Copy of The Crisis Comms Kit
What you get:
🔹Step-by-Step Guidance: Emergency guidance in bite-sized easy-to-follow steps to move you from feeling in chaos, to back in-control. Use immediately after receiving the EHO letter with that dismal new hygiene rating.
🔹Done-for-You Social Media Calendar: 7-days of pre-planned content ideas and example social media posts – just copy, tweak and share on Instagram or Facebook. Then rinse and repeat until you feel on top of the crisis! Use to stay visible and credible to your customers.
🔹Journalist Handling Protocol: Handle media enquiries like a pro with a ready-made journalist-friendly statement. Because we all know the Press loves to name and shame businesses with a low hygiene rating!
🔹Tips and Advice On How To Deal With Customer Criticism: Handle customer complaints and negative feedback like a pro and avoid common mistakes.
Protect your business reputation FAST when your poor food hygiene rating goes public.
🛑 ALERT: Food Hygiene Inspection Frequencies Are Changing in Wales - How Will The New Rules Affect Your Business? [***Update Oct 2025***]
Food Hygiene Inspection Frequencies Are Changing – What To Expect. Find out how the new approach in Wales could affect how often your business is inspected.
