NORTHERN Ireland has the highest "scores on the doors" food hygiene rating of all regions in the UK, according to a report from online training provider High Speed Training.
Some 6,631 premises across the north were scored under the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme (FHRS), a partnership with UK local authorities which provides customers with information as to how well a business is upholding food hygiene and safety standards.
And Northern Ireland has earned an overall rating of 4.68 out of 5 - the highest in the UK ahead of England's South West (4.66) and East Midlands (4.61).
Broken down by council area, Mid and East Antrim has the highest scores on the doors rating in the north with an average of 4.81 out of 5.
Belfast, which has more than 1,000 eating establishments, has the third highest average rating in the whole of the UK when compared with other larger towns and cities, but is the third lowest of the 11 local authorities with a score of 4.62.
Ards and North Down remains bottom of the Northern Ireland rankings, though its score of 4.60 showed a slight increase from 2022.
No council area in Northern Ireland has a lower average rating than 4.6.
Northern Ireland's top three districts are Mid & East Antrim, Lisburn & Castlereagh City, and Mid Ulster while the bottom three local districts: Belfast City, Derry City & Strabane, and Ards & North Down.
High Speed Training’s report - which analysed Food Standards Agency (FSA) data for 218,000 food businesses across the UK - also found that 13 per cent of takeaways in Northern Ireland scored a 3 or below for their food hygiene rating, but that 94 per cent of premises scored a 4 or a 5 on their rating.
Following regular inspections, FH ratings are devised based on the standard of food handling hygiene, the physical condition of the premises and facilities and food safety management practices.
These ratings are then made available on the Food Standards Agency (FSA) website and are usually visible from outside of the premises, often presented in a window near the entrance.
It is compulsory in Northern Ireland for businesses to display their food hygiene rating whereas in England, for instance, it is currently just considered best practice.
Dr Richard Anderson, head of learning and development at High Speed Training, said: “One of the biggest responsibilities as a food establishment is ensuring that food safety and hygiene practices are thorough and up to date.
“That's why it’s so important for customers to check FHRS ratings, which are a direct reflection of how safely and hygienically that establishment operates.
“Our report shows that, on average, standards remain high across the UK, and have slightly improved from 2022.
“For businesses that perform well, a high rating is a real selling point. But establishments with a low hygiene rating can be extremely off-putting for customers, which ultimately have a significant impact on reputation and profitability.
“Correct food hygiene training for staff, alongside robust food management procedures and everyday good practices are crucial to keep performing at high standards.
“And for those customers turning a blind eye when it comes to checking a hygiene rating, we would definitely urge you not to as ignorance isn’t always bliss.
“We would always recommend checking hygiene ratings before eating at an establishment so you can make an informed call as to whether you eat there.”
