The average food hygiene rating of Waltham Forest’s establishments is 3.75, lower than any borough or local authority in the UK

Waltham Forest has the worst average food hygiene rating in the country.

According to a report from online training provider High Speed Training, who analysed Food Standards Agency (FSA) data from 215,000 UK food businesses, Waltham Forest came bottom in London and, if a town, would be the lowest ranked in the UK.

London’s average food hygiene rating was 4.36, significantly higher than Waltham Forest’s rating of 3.74.

The borough with the highest rating in the capital was found to be Kensington and Chelsea, with 4.80, placing them joint seventh in the national rankings for towns and cities in the country.

Joining Waltham Forest in the bottom three for average food hygiene ratings in the capital were Barking and Dagenham (3.95) , and Ealing (3.92).

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 practice.

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: “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.”

Waltham Forest Council’s cabinet member for community safety, Khevyn Limbajee, said: “The safety and wellbeing of customers at Waltham Forest restaurants and food outlets is our top priority. Our food and safety team works hard to make sure that food businesses across the borough follow hygiene standards, protecting everyone who chooses to dine out or order a takeaway.

“There are around 2,000 registered food businesses in the borough. The vast majority take their responsibilities seriously, achieving a rating of three or higher under the national Food Hygiene Rating Scheme.

“We take a zero-tolerance approach with food businesses who do not comply with their legal requirements. We close and prosecute about 50 business a year due to poor hygiene, food safety management and pest problems – historically, this is more than most other London boroughs.

“We always encourage people to check an outlet’s food hygiene rating before they dine using the Food Standards Agency website. We support calls to make displaying food hygiene ratings mandatory in food businesses, as is the case in Wales.”

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