The Irish food agency has opened a public consultation to get views on the creation of a national food hygiene rating system.

Food hygiene rating scores provide customers with information that assesses the food safety standards of a business based on official inspections that look at cleanliness, food handling, and storage practices. 

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) wants consumers and food companies to share their views through an online consultation, which is open until June 23, 2025.

Hygiene rating schemes exist in countries such as Northern Ireland, England, Wales, Denmark, and France, and in some U.S. states. They typically involve the display of inspection results as a number, letter, or symbol on the food business’s window and/or website.

The aim is to increase transparency in the food chain, support consumer decision making, and promote higher standards of hygiene across the sector.

A report by early 2026

Results of the consultation will inform the FSAI’s Food Safety Consultative Council’s understanding of consumers’ and food businesses’ opinions about a food hygiene rating scheme.

The council will review how such a system might influence consumer decision-making and what implications it could have for Irish food businesses such as restaurants, cafés, takeaways, hotels, supermarkets, and shops.

Respondents can register their interest in participating in the next stage of the consultation, which includes discussion groups or interviews.

Jamie Knox, chair of the Food Safety Consultative Council, said the feedback will provide important information ahead of potential recommendations on a national scheme.

“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. By considering international evidence and gathering views from both consumers and food businesses, we aim to ensure that any recommendation made is informed, balanced, and grounded in public and professional interests,” he said.

Information from the consultation will inform an evaluation report, expected to be published in early 2026. Findings will support the FSAI in making an evidence-based recommendation to the Department of Health, which is responsible for food safety policy in this area.