Rotherham ranks fifth in South Yorkshire for food hygieneratings

Research into food hygiene ratings of 15 major towns and cities in Yorkshire found Rotherham ranked number five in the list – level with Barnsley with an average rating of 4.65 out of five.

Sheffield was in seventh position with a score of 4.52 – despite having nearly six times more venues (1,984) than Rotherham’s 333 and five times Barnsley’s 404. 

The data by High Speed Training ranked Doncaster 12th, with its 580 facilities giving the city an average score of 4.39.

Rotherham also moved up a spot from last year’s position at five with a slight score increase compared to 2022’s 4.61.

Harrogate was top of the Yorkshire and Humber rankings with an average rating of 4.79, while Halifax had the lowest average rating in the region, scoring 4.20.

The “Food Hygiene: Know the Score 2023” report analysed Food Standards Agency data for more than 218,000 food establishments – including hotels, B&Bs and guest houses, pubs, bars and night clubs, restaurants, cafes and canteens, takeaways and sandwich shops – across England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales.

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.

The ratings are then posted on the FSA website and usually visible from outside the premises.

In Yorkshire, the average food hygiene rating was 4.53 from nearly 11,000 premises, placing the region seventh in the national rankings out of 11.

Northern Ireland took the top spot.

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

Rotherham Council’s cabinet member for transport and environment, Cllr Dominic Beck, said: “We’re very pleased to hear that Rotherham is in the top five best food hygiene ratings in the region.

"The council’s environmental health officers take great care and pride when inspecting food premises across the borough to ensure residents are kept safe.”

Dr Richard Anderson, head of learning and development at High Speed Training said: “Our report shows that, on average, standards remain high across the UK, and have slightly improved from 2022.

"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.

“Correct food hygiene training for staff, alongside robust food management procedures and everyday good practices are crucial to keep performing at high standards."

He added: “One of the biggest responsibilities as a food establishment is ensuring that food safety and hygiene practices are thorough and up to date.

"This is why it’s so important for customers to check FHRS ratings – they are a direct reflection of how safely and hygienically that establishment operates.”