Commentary on Sections Sections 6 & 7: Validity of rating and duty to display the rating
These sections set out when a food hygiene rating is valid and place a duty on food business operators to display their valid rating sticker at their establishment. Section 7 also allows the Department by regulations to require them to provide their rating online where they supply consumers with food through an online facility. A food hygiene rating becomes valid when a food business operator is notified of their rating following an inspection, appeal or re-rating request. During and until the end of an appeal period, food business operators can choose either to display their newly notified rating or previous rating sticker. A rating ceases to be valid where there is a change of ownership of an establishment or where the establishment ceases to trade, either voluntarily or due to the service of particular enforcement notices.