The towns and cities across the South East that score highest and lowest for their food hygiene ratings have been revealed, thanks to a report from online training provider High Speed Training.

The report, which analysed Food Standards Agency (FSA) data for over 215,000 food businesses across England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales, found that in [r, the average food hygiene rating across all food establishments was 4.61 from over 28,000 premises.

The lowest average rating in the South East went to Slough, with an average score of 4.39, meaning they rank 43rd in the national rankings, losing 0.08 from its rating in 2023.

The top spot in the South East went to Hastings, with an impressive average score of 4.84 from almost 400 premises, placing them joint fourth in the national rankings for towns and cities. Hastings also held the top spot in the region in 2023, though its rating fell by 0.03.

High Wycombe (13th in region) saw the greatest improvement in the region, improving its rating to 4.48 from 4.37 in 2023.

Southampton’s average rating (4.61) fell more than any other town or city in the region, losing 0.09 from its average rating in 2023.

High Speed Training’s report also found that more than almost 17% of takeaways across the region scored 3 or below for their food hygiene rating, and that 90% of premises scored a 4 or a 5 on their rating. The report also found that 29 premises across the region scored a zero, and 335 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. The scheme aims to provide customers with information as to how well a business is upholding food hygiene and safety standards.

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. Recently, we have seen many high profile cases of food poisoning and illnesses caused by food-borne bacteria.

“This is why food hygiene ratings are so important - they are a direct reflection of how safely and hygienically that establishment operates and are of critical importance to consumers."