FSAI Launches Public Consultation on National Food Hygiene Rating Scheme for Ireland

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) has launched a public consultation to gauge opinion on introducing a national food hygiene rating scheme, similar to systems already operating across the UK and other countries.

The consultation, which opened today and runs until 23rd June 2025, seeks views from both consumers and food businesses on whether Ireland should adopt a scheme that would publicly display food safety inspection results at restaurants, cafés, takeaways, hotels, supermarkets and other food establishments.

Food hygiene rating schemes are currently in operation in Northern Ireland, England and Wales (known as "Scores on Doors"), Denmark and France (using "Smiley Faces"), and several US states. These systems typically display inspection results as numbers, letters or symbols on business windows and websites, helping customers make informed choices whilst encouraging higher food safety standards.

Jamie Knox, Chair of the FSAI's Food Safety Consultative Council, emphasised that this represents an evaluation process rather than a predetermined decision:

"The FSAI's commitment to protecting public health and increasing transparency in Ireland's food safety system underpins this important consultation," he said.

Food hygiene rating schemes have been shown internationally to empower consumers and drive higher standards across the food sector. Just as importantly, we understand the value of listening to concerns the food industry may have. This is not a decision - it is an evaluation process."

The consultation will examine how such a scheme might influence consumer decision-making and what implications it could have for Irish food businesses. All responses will remain anonymous, with participants also able to express interest in future focus groups or interviews.

Information gathered will inform a comprehensive evaluation report, expected to be finalised in early 2026. The findings will support the FSAI in making an evidence-based recommendation to the Department of Health, which holds responsibility for national food safety policy.

The consultation forms part of the FSAI's Strategy 2025-2029, which includes evaluating evidence relating to hygiene rating schemes for food businesses. Ireland currently does not have such a system in place, unlike its neighbours in Northern Ireland and Great Britain.

Interested parties can participate through an online questionnaire available on the FSAI website.