The Local Government Association (LGA) that represents councils in England says that all restaurants and takeaways in England should be made to display their food hygiene scores by Law.

The Food Standards Agency, which runs the scheme, said it was reviewing how food businesses were regulated. The FSA also oversees the rating system in Wales and Northern Ireland, where displaying the scores is compulsory, while in Scotland they must display similar food hygiene information.

‘Scores on the doors’ – The FSA conducted a survey in 2012 that showed 43% of restaurants and other food businesses in England put up a score, which fell to 32% in London. For businesses with a low rating – between zero and two – the figures fell to 12% across England and 9% in London. Chris Barber, who advises restaurants on their business, said compulsory display would be “absolutely revolutionary”. “This is going to have the same impact as when it was first brought in – a massive kick up the backside. “This is going to be an even bigger kick up the backside.”

The LGA said much existing food safety legislation comes from the European Union and it was important it was not weakened after Brexit.