Talking Retail Grocery and product news for independent retailers
It shows that 69% of shoppers now actively check out the ratings and the vast majority of consumers are influenced by them when they choose where to buy food. It also reveals that 41% of consumers say hygiene and recall issues now affect how they buy from retailers.
The research – “A Fresh Look at Food Hygiene” – conducted on behalf of specialist insurer, NFU Mutual, surveyed more than 2,100 adults, and analysed hygiene ratings awarded by the Food Standards Agency (FSA).
It reveals that more than 12,000 retail businesses in England, Wales and Northern Ireland have a food hygiene rating of three or less. The new survey claims that 34% of people would turn away from using outlets displaying such a low ranking.
Although consumers generally associate hygiene scores with the hospitality sector, the research also found there is a growing expectation for other retailers to have them. Some 63% of those polled expected bakeries, butchers and grocers to have good scores although this drops to just 46% for supermarkets.
Frank Woods, retail sector specialist at NFU Mutual, said: “At present, there is very little expectation from consumers for retailers to display food hygiene ratings. If this becomes law, however, retailers could suddenly find low standards exposed and lose customer trust. Amidst the challenges currently facing the retail sector, it’s important for businesses not to lose sight of everyday jobs like hygiene.
“The 12,000 retail businesses with a rating of three and below should prioritise hygiene now in anticipation of the legal proposals to be reawakened or risk losing up to a third of custom.”
The FSA has delayed aspects of its Regulating Our Future programme, delaying the mandatory display of hygiene rankings for retailers in England. Retailers in Wales and Northern Ireland have by law had to display ratings for some years which the FSA says has had a positive impact on hygiene standards.
