Wales records UK’s biggest improvement in food hygiene ratings

Nation.Cymru Staff

Wales has recorded the biggest year-on-year improvement in food hygiene ratings anywhere in the UK, according to a new report.

According to online training provider High Speed Training, which analysed data for almost 240,000 food businesses across England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales, the average food hygiene rating is 4.57.

High Speed Training’s report is now in its 5th consecutive year, and over this time, average ratings across England, Wales and Northern Ireland have increased from an average of 4.49 in 2022 to 4.57 in 2026.

Eighty-eight percent of businesses scored a 4 or 5, with 72% scoring top marks, while  501 premises across the UK scored a zero, with 25,503 (11.7%) premises scoring a 3 or below.

The report also found that 1 in 5 takeaways (19.5%) across England, Wales and Northern Ireland scored a 3 or below for their food hygiene rating.

Wales recorded the biggest year-on-year improvement in average food hygiene ratings of any UK nation or region, rising from 4.47 in 2025 to 4.51 in 2026. Overall, Wales ranked 7th with an average score of 4.51.

Wrexham achieved the highest average rating in Wales (4.94), while Blaenau Gwent recorded the lowest (3.96).

Rhondda Cynon Taf saw the biggest improvement in average rating, increasing by 0.11, while Ceredigion recorded the largest fall, dropping 0.10.

Of the 13,035 premises analysed, 87.41% received a food hygiene rating of 4 or 5, while 15 businesses scored 0 and 1,641 received a rating of 3 or below.

The Food Hygiene Rating Scheme (FHRS) is a partnership with local authorities in England, Wales and Northern Ireland that was launched in 2010.

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 FoodStandards 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, Director of Learning at High Speed Training, said: “Food safety and robust hygiene practices should be of paramount importance to food businesses, and to the customers who use them.

“Over the last 5 years, we have seen trends broadly improve across the whole of the UK, which is a really positive sign.

“These ratings are a direct reflection of how safely and hygienically an 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, and may have a significant impact on reputation and profitability.”

“Our report shows that, on average, standards remain high across the UK, and have improved from 2025. This commitment to correct food hygiene training for staff, alongside robust food management procedures and everyday good practices are crucial to not only performing well as a business, but attracting and retaining customers.

“We would urge customers to always check the food hygiene ratings of establishments they wish to dine at, as it allows them to make an informed decision when choosing where to eat.”

The full report is available here. For more information about High Speed Training, visit their site here.

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