National and regional hygiene ratings for food establishments are out in the latest report by online training provider High Speed Training (HST), with Ealing scoring low.

The report analysed Food Standards Agency (FSA) data for over 215,000 food businesses across the United Kingdom and considered three key areas: Hygienic food handling and practices, physical condition of the establishment and confidence in management. 

Dr Richard Anderson, Head of Learning and Development at HST said: "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." 

Restaurants in Ealing had the second lowest average food hygiene ratings in the country at 3.92.

Neighbouring boroughs performed comparatively better with Richmond-upon-Thames scoring 4.46, Hounslow 4.56, Hammersmith and Fulham 4.52 and Harrow 4.18. 

The report found that compared to other regions, London had the lowest average food hygiene rating at 4.36 from almost 36,000 establishments. 

Anderson said: "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." 

Out of 27 local authorities Richmond Upon-Thames ranks 26th in average food hygiene rating (credit: High Speed Training).

The top spot in London went to Kensington and Chelsea, with an impressive average score of 4.80 from over 1000 premises, which would place them joint 7th in the national rankings for towns and cities.  

The report also found nine out of 11 regions in the UK improved their average food hygiene score including a slight improvement overall in London from 4.34 in 2023 to 4.36 in 2024. 

"Our report shows that, on average, standards remain high across the UK, and have improved from 2023. 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 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," Anderson said. 

The Food Hygiene Rating Scheme (FHRS) is a partnership with local authorities in England, Wales and Northern Ireland which aims to provide customers with information as to how well a business is upholding food hygiene and safety standards. 

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. 

Click here to view the report in full, and to see how your area compares to others.