Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what consideration they have given to mandating the display of food hygiene ratings on online food delivery services.

The Food Hygiene Rating Scheme is operated by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) in partnership with local authorities across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Food businesses covered by the scheme are provided with stickers showing their rating. Those in Wales and Northern Ireland are already required by law to display the stickers at their premises, while those in England are encouraged to do so.

The case for extending mandatory display to England is being finalised by the FSA for ministerial consideration and ultimately cross-Government approval.

For businesses offering online ordering of food, legislation requiring provision of the rating at the point of choice is expected to be introduced in Northern Ireland once the Assembly is back in operation.

In Wales, the FSA and Welsh Government are working to address a FSA recommendation to the National Assembly for Wales to explore the introduction of a similar requirement for businesses in Wales that use online food ordering platforms. Proposals will be presented to Welsh Ministers in due course.

For England, provision of food hygiene ratings online will be considered in the case being finalised for ministers.