Food Hygiene Rating Scheme (FHRS)
We carry out regular, risk-based food hygiene inspections to protect public health and ensure food businesses meet legal standards.
What is the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme?
After an inspection, food businesses receive a hygiene rating from 0 to 5:
- 5 – hygiene standards are very good
- 4 – hygiene standards are good
- 3 – hygiene standards are generally satisfactory
- 2 – some improvement is necessary
- 1 – major improvement is necessary
- 0 – urgent improvement is required
This rating helps customers make informed choices and encourages businesses to maintain high standards.
Further information on the scheme is available: Food Hygiene Rating Scheme | Food Standards Agency
How we rate businesses
Our food safety officers assess:
- how food is handled – prepared, cooked, cooled, stored and reheated
- the condition of the premises – cleanliness, layout, lighting and ventilation
- how food safety is managed and recorded
To achieve a high rating, businesses must meet high standards in all three areas.
Displaying your rating
Businesses receive a sticker to display at their premises. Displaying the sticker is voluntary in England, but encouraged. If you don’t see a sticker, you can ask the business or check the rating online.
If your business has lost its sticker, email HBC.CommercialServicesTeam@hartlepool.gov.uk to request a new one.
Who we rate
We rate:
- restaurants, cafés, takeaways, pubs and hotels
- supermarkets and food shops
- home caterers and mobile units
- schools, nurseries and care homes
Who is exempt
Some businesses are inspected but not rated, including:
- low-risk premises like newsagents or chemists selling pre-packed food that do not require refrigeration
- childminders and home-based care providers
- manufacturers, importers, exporters and distributors not serving food directly to the public
Freedom of Information
To request a copy of a food hygiene inspection report, email Freedomofinformation@hartlepool.gov.uk.
Your request will be handled under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 or Environmental Information Regulations 2005. We may need to contact you for further information or clarification You’ll receive a response within 20 working days.