2 in 5 Brits won’t eat at venues with a hygiene rating of 3 or below, new research finds

• New research from Virtual College investigates the UK's attitudes to food hygiene

• 1 in 5 said they choose where to eat based on hygiene rating more than menu choice
• 40% of Brits avoid restaurants with a hygiene rating of 3 or below

The economic climate of the UK has restaurants, both chain and independent, fighting to stay afloat, cutting costs while trying to find new ways to attract customers. It can be extremely difficult for businesses to know where to start with this task, but new research from online training provider Virtual College suggests that they should first look at their hygiene rating, as, for some, this can be the deciding factor.

Surveying 2,000 UK residents on their attitudes to food hygiene when choosing where to eat, the research found that 40% of Brits avoid venues with a food hygiene rating of three or below. This highlights how many are willing to disregard an eatery even when their hygiene standards are classed as "generally satisfactory” - the official description of a 3 star rating according to the Food Standards Agency.

The importance of a strong food hygiene rating is further highlighted by findings that 1 in 5 people prioritise it over menu choice when deciding where to eat. 15% also said that they check for reviews mentioning food poisoning before choosing a restaurant, so it’s clear that consumers are doing their research to avoid any potential hygiene issues.

Interestingly, a quarter (25%) of people said that they trust restaurants more if they can see the kitchen or prep area, likely due to the understanding that by being visible to customers, kitchens will more strictly adhere to food hygiene regulations.

Katherine Pavling, Head of Product at Virtual College, comments on the findings:

“It’s not surprising to see that food hygiene ratings play a part in how customers decide on where to eat, but this research demonstrates just how important a role they play. Properly following food hygiene rules and regulations is a must for any restaurant regardless, and businesses should never become complacent with it. For restaurants that may be struggling to stay afloat, this research should serve as a clear incentive to improve standards; not only to keep  customers happy and healthy, but also to differentiate from competitors and encourage new business through the door.”

To find out more about food hygiene training, please visit: https://www.virtual-college.co.uk/courses/categories/food-hygiene