Revealed: The best and worst places in Wales for food hygiene ratings as country places 8th in the UK regional rankings

The local authorities across Wales that score highest and lowest for their food hygiene ratings have been revealed, thanks to a report from online training provider High Speed Training.

• Gwynedd has the highest average rating in Wales, just as they did in 2022 and 2023, scoring 4.83.
• Blaenau Gwent has the lowest rating in Wales with an average of 3.91. It is one of only two regions (Merthyr Tydfil, 3.95) in Wales with a rating below 4
• Rhondda Cynon Taf had the biggest rating increase, by 0.14 to 4.09.
• Bangor (4.89) ranked 2nd in the UK towns and cities list
• 86% of premises in the region scored a 4 or 5 for their rating.
• The number of rated premises in the region fell from 13,584 in 2023 to 13,115 in 2024.
• Overall change: 2023: 4.42 2024 – 4.45
• Top three local authorities:  Gwynedd, Wrexham, Anglesey
• Bottom three local authorities: Rhondda Cynon Taf, Merthyr Tydfil,  Blaenau Gwent
• Link to report with interactive map 

The local authorities across Wales 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 in [region], the average food hygiene rating across all food establishments was 4.45 from over 13,000 premises, which places Wales in 8th position when compared to regions of the UK.

A similar report run in 2023 by High Speed Training calculated Wales’ score at 4.42, showing that food hygiene standards have increased across the country over recent years.

The top ranking local authority in Wales was Gwynedd, with an impressive average score of 4.83 from almost 1000 premises, meaning it would rank joint 5th in a list of towns and cities from across the UK.

Bangor placed 2nd in the overall UK town and cities list, with a highly impressive score of 4.89, up 0.02 from 2023.

The biggest improvers in Wales from the 2022 report were Rhondda Cynon Taf (4.09), who improved their average scores by 0.14, though it still placed in the bottom three in the local authorities list.

Cardiff (4.34) ranked 13th in Wales, improving their rating by 0.04 from 2023. Almost one in three takeaways (30%) and 16% of restaurants and cafes in the city scored a three or below for their rating. 6 premises across the city scored a zero on their rating. Across the city, 82% of premises scored a 4 or a 5 for their rating.

Swansea placed 15th in Wales, with a rating of 4.26. 40% of the city’s takeaways scored a 3 or below for their food hygiene rating, along with 15% of restaurants and cafes, a higher percentage for both than in 2023. Only one premises across the city scored a zero, with 80% of premises receiving a rating of 4 or 5.

The lowest average rating in Wales went to Blaenau Gwent, with an average score of 3.91, meaning that they would rank bottom when compared to towns and cities across the UK.

High Speed Training’s report also found that more than 1 in 4 takeaways (27%) across Wales scored 3 or below for their food hygiene rating, with 21 premises scoring a zero for their rating, with 256 scoring a one.

86% of all premises across Wales scored a 4 or a 5, with 95% of hotels, B&Bs and guest houses and 88% of restaurants and cafes achieving a 4 or a 5 for their score.

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.”

To view the report in full, and to see how your area compares to others, please click here