Food Rating Lies exposed by BBC Secret Recording

An undercover BBC investigation has revealed that businesses have been displaying inaccurate food hygiene ratings, with many lying about them when challenged.

Secret recording captured businesses from small local restaurants to the supermarket chain Sainsbury’s misleading customers with inaccurate Food Standards Agency (FSA) ratings, in what experts say is a nationwide problem.

Over several weeks, the BBC visited dozens of food establishments in east London, following tip-offs that deception about ratings in the area was rife.

Where places lied when asked about their ratings, one expert said this amounted to fraud.

Confronted with the evidence, some businesses did not respond at all while others denied any deliberate deception.

Using hidden cameras, the BBC’s team set out in July and August to document the accuracy of food hygiene ratings on display and also to see how businesses would respond when questioned about their score.

The BBC’s investigation revealed that the London Borough of Waltham Forest has a serious food hygiene problem. As of September 2024, it has the highest percentage of establishments in England and Wales rated zero to two stars on the food hygiene scale.
Under the FSA’s scheme, businesses are ranked from zero to five, with those scoring below three described as in need of improvement.