The areas across London 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 across London, the average food hygiene rating across all food establishments was 4.36 from almost 36,000 premises, which places the region BOTTOM of the national rankings.

A similar report run in 2023 by High Speed Training calculated London’s score at 4.34, showing that food hygiene standards have improved slightly across the city in recent years.

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 biggest improver in London was Redbridge, who improved their rating by 0.14 to 4.38, placing them joint 13th in the citywide rankings.

No area of London’s rating fell more than Hillingdon, who lost 0.17 off their rating in 2023, falling to 4.24 and placing 17th for areas across the city.

The lowest average rating in London went to Waltham Forest, with an average score of 3.74, meaning that, if they were classed as a town, it would rank bottom in the national rankings.

In fact, if London boroughs were counted as separate towns, one would claim 3 of the bottom spots in the country – Barking & Dagenham: 3.95, Ealing: 3.92, Waltham Forest: 3.74.

High Speed Training’s report also found that almost 1 in 4 takeaways (23%) across London scored 3 or below for their food hygiene rating, and that 82% of premises held a 4 or a 5 for their rating. 92% of Hotel’s, BandBs and guest houses, and 83% of restaurants and cafes scored a 4 or a 5 for their rating.

The report also found that 186 premises across London scored a zero, and 802 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.

“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 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 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.”