Jan 10th, 2022
3 mins
The Charted Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) announced on 22 December 2021 that fake Food Hygiene Rating Scheme (FHRS) stickers have prompted the FSA to call for any sightings to be reported.
An investigation found that the “high-quality vinyl stickers” being sold on eBay were proving popular, with one seller having sold 58 from one advert alone, potentially making as much as £500. Other adverts offered buyers versions of the official sticker in a range of different sizes at a similar cost.
Catriona Stewart, Head of Regulatory Standards and Compliance at the Food Standards Agency, said: “Food hygiene rating stickers are issued only by the local authority following an inspection. The sale of stickers by anyone else directly to food businesses is not allowed. Fortunately, this has not been a regular occurrence, but we all need to remain vigilant.
“If you do see stickers being offered for sale, please report this to the FHRS team at hygieneratings@food.gov.uk and we, as holders of the trademark for the stickers, will take immediate action to stop it. The recent listings on eBay were removed as soon as we contacted them.”
The FSA also warned that displaying a false hygiene rating may constitute an offence, and businesses have been successfully prosecuted for doing this in the past.
Related Articles & Webinars
News
Nov 18th, 2025
5 mins
BFFF CALLS ON GOVERNMENT TO EASE PRESSURE ON FROZEN FOOD INDUSTRY AS POLITICAL CHANGES BITE
News
Nov 12th, 2025
4 mins
