Who are the FSA and FSS?

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is an independent government department that was formed to protect the public’s health in relation to food hygiene and safety in the UK, with branches in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Food Standards Scotland (FSS) is the public sector food body for Scotland, monitoring food safety and standards, nutrition and labelling, and providing information and advice on food standards.


Food Hygiene Rating Scheme (FHRS) / Food Hygiene Information Scheme (FHIS)

Your food hygiene rating reflects the hygiene standards found at the time your business is inspected by a food safety officer. These officers are specially trained to assess food hygiene standards.


Do I need a Food Hygiene Rating?

Yes - being registered with your local authority is a legal requirement and you could be faced with a fine for not following mandatory legislations and not displaying your Food Hygiene Rating correctly in a prominent place at your premises. Registering as a food business is free and straightforward!

All ratings are available for the public to view on the FHRS/FHIS websites.

For more information on why you need to register your business, see the food law practice guidance here.


What can be accepted?

  • FSA Unique ID
    A verified unique ID from the website URL
  • Council Registration
    A verified online registration with the local council

Each new Partner is required to provide their unique FSA ID upon signing - a minimum of 3* or Pass in Scotland is required to sign-up and remain trading on Just Eat.

The rating you are given is made up of these three areas:

  • How hygienically the food is handled – how it’s prepared, cooked, cooled, stored, and what measures are taken to prevent food being contaminated with bacteria
  • The condition of the structure of your premises, including cleanliness, layout, lighting, ventilation, equipment and other facilities
  • How you manage and record what you do to make sure food is safe. For example: a documented food safety management system (FSMS), temperature records, staff training

In Scotland, you are rated Pass or Improvement Required.

  • A ‘Pass’ indicates that the business broadly met the legal requirements
  • ‘Improvement Required’ indicates that the business has failed to meet these requirements
  • These ratings are displayed on Just Eat on the Business information page - this score is matched to the FSA website and updated daily. Businesses missing a FSA ID will be contacted by Just Eat and given a time period in which to resolve issues.


  • If you’ve set up a new business or changed ownership, your rating may say ‘Awaiting Inspection’. In Wales, there is a similar sticker that says ‘Rating Awaited’
  • A rating will be given after a local authority food safety officer has inspected the business
  • After you have had your inspection it may take a couple of weeks before the rating appears on the FSA/FSS ratings website

You can see if your rating has been published by visiting the FSA website here.

If you are waiting for an inspection, or have received a rating but is not yet published on the FSA website, please contact your local council to have your rating updated. You can find your local food safety team on the website above by clicking ‘search a local authority area’ and selecting your council.

As long as you meet the minimum requirements of a 3* or Pass or are listed as ‘Awaiting Inspection’ on the FSA website, you can continue to trade with Just Eat.

If your rating has recently changed meaning you can now trade, please contact us through the Partner Hub.

  1. Visit the Partner Hub or via the app
  2. Once you’ve logged in, go to 'Business Help'
  3. Tap on 'Send us a message' to get in touch with the team
  4. Select ‘Food Hygiene’ as the topic and write your message
  5. Then tap on 'Send message'


Did you know?

Consumers are becoming more conscious about what and where they eat. According to research, over 50% of consumers now check the FSA website for a business ’s hygiene rating before ordering food. The rating gives customers an idea of what’s going on in the kitchen, or behind closed doors.


Need to ask us a question? Email our compliance team at [email protected] or contact your Account Manager.