We’re very happy to share that The Biltong Merchant has been awarded a 5-Star Food Hygiene Rating - the highest possible score under the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme!
Food hygiene might not be the most exciting topic in the world, but when you’re running a food business, it’s one of the most important things there is. This 5-star rating reflects the care, consistency, and attention to detail that go into everything we do, every single day.
What Is a Food Hygiene Rating, Anyway?
If you’ve ever spotted a green sticker in a shop window with a number on it, that’s part of the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme, run by local authorities in partnership with the Food Standards Agency. Food businesses are rated from 0 to 5, with 5 being the highest possible score.
During an inspection, officers assess things like:
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Cleanliness and hygiene of the premises
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How food is handled, prepared, and stored
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Food safety management systems
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The overall condition and maintenance of the workspace
A 5-star food hygiene rating means the business is meeting the highest standards of food hygiene and food safety at the time of inspection.
Why a 5-Star Hygiene Rating Is So Important
When it comes to food, trust is everything. Customers want to know that the food they’re buying is prepared and stored safely, responsibly, and with care.
For a food business, a 5-star hygiene rating:
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Gives customers confidence and peace of mind
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Shows a genuine commitment to food safety
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Reflects strong systems and good habits: not just a last-minute clean!
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Helps people make informed choices about where they buy their food
It’s not about ticking boxes. It’s about doing things properly, even when no one’s watching.
What This Means for The Biltong Merchant
At The Biltong Merchant, we’ve always believed that quality starts behind the scenes. This 5-star food hygiene rating reflects:
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Careful, consistent working practices
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Clean and well-maintained preparation areas
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Clear food safety procedures
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Pride in supplying food to the highest standard
Food Hygiene Is a Daily Commitment
Food hygiene isn’t something that only matters on inspection day. It’s a daily commitment.
It’s about:
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Regular cleaning and checks
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Good organisation and record-keeping
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Staying up to date with food safety guidance
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Keeping standards high, even during busy periods
Neither is a 5-star rating the end goal. It’s reassurance that the systems and habits we have in place are working, and that we’ll keep holding ourselves to those same standards going forward.
What This Means for Our Customers
For our customers, a 5-star food hygiene rating means reassurance. It means knowing that the products you’re buying from The Biltong Merchant are prepared safely, responsibly, and with care at every stage.
We’re incredibly grateful for the trust our customers place in us, and this rating is one way we can show that your confidence in our business is well placed.
Final Thoughts
We’re proud of our 5-star food hygiene rating and even prouder to keep delivering high-quality products that meet the highest food safety standards. Thank you for your continued support, and for being part of The Biltong Merchant journey. We look forward to serving you with the same care, passion, and attention to detail that earned us those five stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
