THE FOOD SAFETY watchdog is proposing a measure that would see restaurants publicly display signage that indicates the level of their cleanliness and food safety standards.

It would see official food safety inspections results conducted by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) as a number, letter or symbol posted on the front window of restaurants, cafés, takeaways, hotels, supermarkets and shops.

The FSAI’s food safety consultative council today announced a public consultation to gather views from consumers and food businesses in Ireland on a national food hygiene rating scheme.

Such food hygiene rating schemes are in operation in a number of countries, according to the FSAI, and provide customers with information based on official food safety inspections.

These rating schemes are currently in operation in Northern Ireland, England and Wales (known as Scores on Doors), Denmark and France.

They typically involve the public display of food safety inspection results as a number, letter or symbol on the food business’s window and/or website, aiming to increase transparency in the food chain, support consumer decision making and promote higher standards of hygiene across the food sector.

The consultation will review how such a scheme might influence consumer decision-making, and what implications it could have for Irish food businesses.

The FSAI is calling on consumers and food businesses in Ireland to make their views known through an online consultation which will run until 23 June next.

Jamie Knox, chair of the FSAI’s food safety consultative council, urged participation in the consultation and highlighted the importance of engagement by consumers and businesses.

“Food hygiene rating schemes have been shown internationally to empower consumers and drive higher standards across the food sector,” Knox said.

“Just as importantly, we understand the value of listening to concerns the food industry may have. This is not a decision — it is an evaluation process.

“By considering international evidence and gathering views from both consumers and food businesses, we aim to ensure that any recommendation made is informed, balanced, and grounded in public and professional interests.”

Information gathered from the consultation will inform a comprehensive evaluation report, expected to be finalised in early 2026.