---
title: "Step-by-Step Guide for Food Businesses to Achieve a High Hygiene Rating"
date: 2025-01-06
author: "Rahul Sundaram"
url: https://www.indialaw.in/blog/civil/food-businesses-high-hygiene-rating/
---

# Step-by-Step Guide for Food Businesses to Achieve a High Hygiene Rating

Posted On - 6 January, 2025 •

By - [Rahul Sundaram](https://www.indialaw.in/people/rahul-sundaram/ "Posts by Rahul Sundaram")

[![Step-by-Step Guide for Food Businesses to Achieve a High Hygiene Rating](https://www.indialaw.in/wp-content/uploads/tzw891-omio.jpg)](https://www.indialaw.in/wp-content/uploads/tzw891-omio.jpg)

The Hygiene Rating Scheme is a certification program under FSSAI’s “Eat Right India” movement. It evaluates food service establishments such as restaurants, bakeries, sweet shops, and meat retailers based on their food hygiene and safety standards. The aim is to encourage businesses to maintain high hygiene levels while helping consumers make informed dining decisions. Ratings are displayed as smileys, ranging from 1 to 5, making it easy for customers to understand the level of compliance with hygiene norms.

To participate in this scheme, food businesses must meet specific requirements. They need a valid FSSAI license or registration and must follow hygiene practices as outlined in Schedule 4 of the Food Safety and Standards Regulations. It is also mandatory for these businesses to have trained Food Safety Supervisors who oversee hygiene standards and ensure food handlers are well-trained. Additionally, regular testing of food and water samples from FSSAI-approved laboratories is required to maintain compliance.

Food businesses can enroll in the scheme through the Hygiene Rating Portal. After completing a self-assessment of hygiene standards, businesses undergo inspections conducted by accredited agencies or food safety officers. Based on their compliance, they are awarded a hygiene rating. Ratings are displayed prominently at the establishment to build trust and confidence among customers.

The ratings are assigned as percentages and converted into smileys, with 5 smileys representing excellent hygiene and 1 indicating urgent improvement is needed. The ratings are valid for two years, although re-inspections may be triggered if complaints are received. If a business scores poorly, it is encouraged to address non-compliance issues and request a re-verification after making the necessary improvements.

Inspections and verifications are carried out by agencies recognized by FSSAI, such as Hygiene Rating Audit Agencies (HRAAs) or Food Safety Officers. These inspections involve a thorough review of the establishment’s hygiene practices, physical premises, and documentation. However, any misrepresentation of facts or unethical practices during the audit can render the verification invalid. To maintain transparency, all findings are uploaded to the Hygiene Rating Portal.

The Hygiene Rating Audit Agencies play a crucial role in the scheme. These agencies, recognized by FSSAI and Quality Council of India (QCI), are responsible for inspecting businesses and verifying their hygiene ratings. Their auditors, known as Hygiene Rating Auditors (HRAs), must be well-trained and adhere to strict guidelines to ensure fair and unbiased assessments.

The Food Safety Department also has a significant role in implementing the scheme at the state level. It encourages businesses to participate, oversees the awarded ratings, and ensures the program is executed effectively. The department also monitors the compliance of auditors and agencies involved in the verification process.

The Hygiene Rating Certificate awarded to businesses provides essential information, including the hygiene rating, the establishment’s details, and a QR code. By scanning the QR code, customers can access further details such as the inspection date, any consumer complaints, and the corrective measures taken. Certificates must be displayed prominently to ensure visibility for customers.

In conclusion, the Hygiene Rating Scheme is a valuable initiative to promote food safety and empower consumers. It not only helps businesses improve their hygiene practices but also fosters trust and accountability in the food industry. Through rigorous inspections, transparent processes, and consumer-friendly tools like hygiene certificates, this scheme contributes significantly to healthier and safer eating experiences in India.

For further details write to [contact@indialaw.in](mailto:contact@indialaw.in)

Disclaimer - This article is intended for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Readers should seek specific legal counsel in relation to their individual circumstances.

[Download PDF](https://www.indialaw.in/blog/civil/food-businesses-high-hygiene-rating//pdf/)

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# IndiaLaw LLP — Offices & Contact Details

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## General Contact

| | |
|---|---|
| **Website** | https://www.indialaw.in |
| **Primary email** | contact@indialaw.in |
| **Primary phone** | +91 836-9995919 |
| **Contact form** | https://www.indialaw.in/connect/ |
| **Careers (separate channel)** | https://www.indialaw.in/careers/ |


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## All Offices (9 locations across 8 cities)

### 1. Mumbai — Registered Office & Head Office (Apeejay Chambers)

| | |
|---|---|
| **Address** | Apeejay Chambers, Ground Floor, Wallace Street, Fort, Mumbai – 400 001 |
| **Phone** | [022-6924-7400](tel:02269247400) |
| **Email** | contact@indialaw.in |
| **Page** | https://www.indialaw.in/mumbai/ |
| **Practice focus** | Litigation · Arbitration · Insolvency & Bankruptcy · Corporate · Banking · Real Estate · IP |
| **Notes** | The HQ. 5 partners based here. Handles PAN-India litigation, arbitration, corporate, banking, IP and real estate practice. Largest team across all offices. |

### 2. Mumbai — Non-Litigation Office (Excelsior, Fort)

| | |
|---|---|
| **Address** | 4th Floor, New Excelsior Theatre Pvt. Ltd., Amrit Keshav Nayak Marg, Fort, Mumbai – 400 001 |
| **Phone** | [022-697-40500](tel:022-697-40500) |
| **Email** | contact@indialaw.in |
| **Page** | https://www.indialaw.in/mumbai/ |
| **Practice focus** | Non-litigation only — consultations, negotiations, transactional work |
| **Notes** | Opened 2024. Litigation and arbitration remain at the Apeejay Chambers head office. |

### 3. Delhi

| | |
|---|---|
| **Address** | Flat No. 1107 & 1108, Prakashdeep Building, Tolstoy Marg, Connaught Place, New Delhi – 110 001 |
| **Phone** | (general line: +91 836-9995919) |
| **Email** | contact@indialaw.in |
| **Page** | https://www.indialaw.in/delhi/ |
| **Practice focus** | Litigation · Arbitration · Insolvency & Bankruptcy · Corporate · Banking · Real Estate |
| **Notes** | 3 partners based here. Located near the Supreme Court of India, Delhi High Court and other appellate bodies. |

### 4. Kolkata

| | |
|---|---|
| **Address** | Centre Point Building, Room No. 214, 2nd Floor, Premises No. 21, Hemanta Basu Sarani, Opp. Great Eastern Hotel, P.S. Hare Street, Kolkata – 700 001, West Bengal |
| **Phone** | [+91 33 4813 1001](tel:+913348131001) |
| **Email** | contact@indialaw.in |
| **Page** | https://www.indialaw.in/kolkata/ |
| **Practice focus** | Insolvency & Bankruptcy · Commercial & Civil Litigation · Arbitration · Banking Litigation · Real Estate · Labour & Employment · Consumer |
| **Notes** | Advises banks, NBFCs, MSMEs and corporates on transactions and dispute resolution. Works in close coordination with the Mumbai HO. |

### 5. Chennai

| | |
|---|---|
| **Address** | GF-A, 19 Casa Major Road, Egmore, Chennai – 600 008 |
| **Phone** | (general line: +91 836-9995919) |
| **Email** | contact@indialaw.in |
| **Page** | https://www.indialaw.in/chennai/ |
| **Practice focus** | Litigation · Insolvency & Bankruptcy · Real Estate |
| **Notes** | Full-fledged office with experienced legal team. Supported by Mumbai HO. |

### 6. Bengaluru (Bangalore)

| | |
|---|---|
| **Address** | INDIALAW LLP, No. 7 Chinnaswamy Mudaliar Road, Shivaji Nagar, Bangalore – 560 051 |
| **Phone** | [080-4167-2444](tel:08041672444) |
| **Email** | contact@indialaw.in |
| **Page** | https://www.indialaw.in/bengaluru/ |
| **Practice focus** | Litigation · Insolvency & Bankruptcy · Real Estate · Family Laws · Labour |
| **Notes** | Located near Bangalore High Court. Handles corporate, commercial, banking and matrimonial disputes. |

### 7. Hyderabad

| | |
|---|---|
| **Address** | 403, 4th Floor, Sanatana Ecstasy Building, beside Tanishq Show Room, Himayathnagar, Hyderabad – 500 029, Telangana |
| **Phone** | [040-6666-5166](tel:04066665166) |
| **Email** | contact@indialaw.in |
| **Page** | https://www.indialaw.in/hyderabad/ |
| **Practice focus** | Litigation · Banking · Insolvency & Bankruptcy · Real Estate |
| **Notes** | Particularly well known for complex banking matters and real estate transactions. |

### 8. Cochin (Kochi)

| | |
|---|---|
| **Address** | Second Floor, Pulikkal Building, K.K. Padmanabhan Road, Ernakulam North – 682 018, Kerala |
| **Phone** | [0484-3583961](tel:04843583961) |
| **Email** | contact@indialaw.in |
| **Page** | https://www.indialaw.in/cochin/ |
| **Practice focus** | Litigation · Insolvency & Bankruptcy · Real Estate |
| **Notes** | Commercial disputes, property litigation, financial-claim arbitrations and real estate transactions. |

### 9. Noida (NCR)

| | |
|---|---|
| **Address** | No. 16 & 17, Silver Offices, 17th Floor, Wave One, Sector 18, Noida – 201 301 |
| **Phone** | (general line: +91 836-9995919) |
| **Email** | contact@indialaw.in |
| **Page** | https://www.indialaw.in/noida/ |
| **Practice focus** | Aviation · Insurance · Mergers & Acquisitions · Corporate |
| **Office head** | **Mr. Dinesh Gupta** (joined August 2025 to lead and expand the corporate practice) |
| **Notes** | Newest office. Sector-focused on highly regulated industries serving NCR-based clients. |

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## Quick-Dial Phone List

| Office | Phone |
|---|---|
| Mumbai HO (Apeejay) | 022-6924-7400 |
| Mumbai Excelsior | 022-697-40500 |
| Kolkata | +91 33 4813 1001 |
| Bengaluru | 080-4167-2444 |
| Hyderabad | 040-6666-5166 |
| Cochin | 0484-3583961 |
| **General / Marketing line** | **+91 836-9995919** |

Delhi, Chennai and Noida route through the general number.

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