THE best and worst places in the North West for food hygiene ratings have been revealed in a new report which shows Warrington has seen the biggest drop in the North West.
The towns and cities across the North West that score highest and lowest for their food hygiene ratings have been revealed, thanks to the report from online training provider High Speed Training, marking 15 years since the introduction of the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme.
Warrington, ranked 15th, had the biggest drop in ranking, moving down 9 positions from its 2024 rank of 6th.
The report, which analysed Food Standards Agency (FSA) data for over 240,000 food businesses across England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales, found that in the North West, the average food hygiene rating across all food establishments was 4.48 from 27,486 premises, which places the region 6th in the national rankings.
A similar report run in 2024 by High Speed Training calculated the North West’s score at 4.46, at 7th in the regional rankings, showing that food hygiene standards have improved across the region.
The top spot in the region went to Southport, with an impressive average score of 4.95 from 384 premises, placing them top in the national rankings for towns and cities. Southport also claimed first in the national rankings in 2022, 2023 and 2024.
The lowest rated town/city in the region was Bolton, with an average score of 4.08. The biggest decrease in average rating was shared by Bury and Warrington, who both saw their ratings drop by 0.16.
High Speed Training’s report also found that 24.5% of takeaways across the region scored 3 or below for their food hygiene rating, and that 86.2% of premises scored a 4 or a 5, including 88.3% of restaurants and cafes. The report also found that 71 premises across the region scored a zero, and 520 scored a one on their food hygiene rating.
The Food Hygiene Rating Scheme (FHRS) is a partnership with local authorities in England, Wales and Northern Ireland that was launched in 2010. It replaced a number of regional schemes, with the aim of providing hygiene information clearly and more effectively across the UK. Following regular inspections, 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. In Wales and Northern Ireland, it is compulsory for businesses to display their food hygiene rating. However, in England it is currently just considered best practice.
Dr Richard Anderson, Head of Learning and Development at High Speed Training comments: “Food safety and robust hygiene practices should be of paramount importance to food businesses, and to the customers who use them. 15 years have passed since the launch of the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme, and its place in the industry is as vital as ever. These ratings are a direct reflection of how safely and hygienically that establishment operates, and we urge businesses and customers to take them seriously.
“For businesses that perform well, a high rating is a real selling point. However, establishments with a low hygiene rating can be extremely off-putting for customers, which ultimately have a significant impact on reputation and profitability.”
“Our report shows that, on average, standards remain high across the UK, and have improved from 2024. This commitment to correct food hygiene training for staff, alongside robust food management procedures and everyday good practices are crucial to keep performing at high standards.
“We would also urge customers to check the food hygiene ratings of establishments they wish to dine at, so that an informed call as to whether you eat there can be made.”
