''Is it illegal to not display a food hygiene sticker?''
This is a common question that people ask.
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
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 5s.
So while it is not currently law, there is pressure — for the Government to make it mandatory. Especially since the ITV and BBC investigations revealing 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
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.
🟥 In Wales & Northern Ireland: Mandatory Display of a Hygiene Rating Sticker Is Required
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.
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.
⚖️ Comparison of the Hygiene Rating Sticker Display Rules Across The UK
See the table below for a quick comparison of the hygiene rating sticker display rules across the UK.
Reasons Why Businesses Don’t Display The Hygiene Rating Sticker Where It Is Voluntary
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.
Poor rating: Hoping to avoid negative attention (but feeling embarrassed, disappointed, angry and frustrated)
Still waiting: Applied for a re-score, not yet reinspected
Don’t know the rules: Especially common with new owners or franchises
No sticker: It never arrived, or it was damaged
If you’re in Wales or Northern Ireland, failing 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.
Should You Voluntarily Display The Hygiene Rating Sticker?
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. For example, by sharing messages on social media (e.g. “We’ve already taken action and expect a re-score soon”).
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 the hygiene rating sticker where it is voluntary, when your competitors may hide theirs.
Use it as an opportunity to show your food hygiene standards are improving and that your business is committed to customer safety.
Not Happy With The Score On Your Hygiene Rating Sticker?
Have you recently received a dismal food hygiene rating score? 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.
Read our post about what to do next after a poor food hygiene inspection.
Final Thoughts
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 build 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 you get to control your story.
It will give you:
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.
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