Ninety per cent of food businesses at 4* and 5* hygiene standards

Fifteen years ago, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) launched its Food Hygiene Ratings Scheme.

The scheme awards food businesses a rating of between zero and five depending on their hygiene standards, and it is widely regarded as having played a major role in driving up standards across the industry.

The ratings for Canterbury district businesses are based on food hygiene inspections carried out by our highly skilled and experienced Environmental Health Officers.

While poorly performing businesses will always make for newspaper headlines, the reality of the position locally is that overall, food hygiene standards are very good.

As of 1 December 2025, out of 1,475 food businesses whose scores are published on the FSA website, the breakdown of ratings is as follows:

5* – 1,153
4* – 182
3* – 113
2* – 22
1* – 3
0* – 2

Cabinet member for environmental health, Cllr Connie Nolan, said: “Obviously it is great that so many businesses are getting the top two ratings – 90.5 per cent. This is a real success story for the district and we commend all those businesses for their commitment to keeping their customers safe.

“For those who do not score well at our inspection, our priority is to work with them to bring about improvements.

“Our officers will provide advice and support in order to raise standards, with the ultimate aim of reinspecting and awarding a much improved rating.

“Christmas party season is now in full swing. And thanks to this scheme and the hygiene inspections carried out by our officers, it’s highly likely you’ll be enjoying your celebrations at a safe, clean and hygienic local food business.”

You can check food hygiene ratings on the FSA website.

Published: 9 December 2025