Why Food Hygiene Ratings Matter
A great food hygiene rating isn’t just about compliance, it’s about trust.
Your Food Hygiene Rating is one of the first things customers and event organisers look for when deciding who to book. In fact, many events and local authorities require caterers to have a rating of 4 (Good) or higher to trade.
Maintaining high hygiene standards protects your customers, your reputation, and your opportunities to grow your business through Add to Event.
About NCASS
The Nationwide Caterers Association (NCASS) is the UK’s only trade association dedicated to independent hospitality businesses.
For over 30 years, they’ve supported thousands of caterers, street food traders, and mobile hospitality entrepreneurs with training, compliance tools, and expert guidance to help them run safe, successful businesses.
This official NCASS checklist helps you prepare for your next Environmental Health Officer (EHO) inspection and achieve the highest rating: 5 (Very Good). It outlines exactly what EHOs assess under the National Food Hygiene Rating Scheme, so you can stay inspection-ready.
💡 Add to Event x NCASS partnership
If you're not already a member, you can now join NCASS with 10% off any membership plan by signing up via Add to Event with the code AddtoE10.
What the Checklist Covers
The checklist is structured around the three key areas that determine your food hygiene score:
🥗 Food Safety & Hygiene Procedures
How hygienically food is handled: including preparation, cooking, storage, allergen management, and temperature control.
🏗 Structural Requirements
The physical condition and cleanliness of your kitchen, workspace, and equipment, covering layout, lighting, ventilation, and pest control.
📋 Confidence in Management Procedures
How you manage and record your food safety practices, including staff training, cleaning schedules, and documentation.
To achieve a 5-star rating, you’ll need to perform well in all three categories.
How to Use the Checklist
Use the checklist as both a preparation tool and a regular self-audit:
Download the PDF.
Work through each question, ticking off what’s already in place.
Fix any gaps, from equipment cleanliness to record-keeping.
Repeat regularly to maintain high standards between inspections.
💡 Tip: Don’t just wait until inspection time. A well-maintained system means less stress, smoother audits, and better long-term results.
Why This Matters on Add to Event
A strong food hygiene rating builds instant trust with clients and increases your chances of winning bookings.
Organisers want reliable, compliant caterers who make their events stress-free, and your rating is one of the simplest ways to show that professionalism.
Keeping your hygiene score high also helps you qualify for larger corporate events, festivals, and weddings, where compliance checks are mandatory.
Combine your hygiene rating with:
✅ Great reviews
✅ High-quality photos
✅ Clear, consistent branding
…and you’ll stand out as a top-tier supplier on Add to Event.
Extra Tips for Maintaining a 5-Star Rating
⭐ Display your rating proudly, include it on your Add to Event profile, website, and menus.
🧽 Keep cleaning schedules visible and make sure all staff follow them.
📚 Train your team regularly on hygiene and allergen procedures.
📄 Keep records, from supplier invoices to probe thermometer checks- ready for inspection.
Small, consistent actions go a long way toward protecting your reputation and keeping your business compliant.
Download the Checklist
Use it to prepare for your next inspection, achieve a top hygiene rating, and show customers they can trust your business to deliver safely and professionally.