South Korea Unifies Restaurant Hygiene Ratings to ‘Food Safe Business’ System

South Korea is streamlining its restaurant hygiene rating system, moving away from a tiered approach to a single “Food Safe Business” designation. The change, announced by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety on March 17, 2026, aims to reduce consumer confusion and simplify the evaluation process for restaurant operators.

Addressing Consumer Misunderstandings and Operator Burden

The previous system utilized three levels – ‘very good,’ ‘excellent,’ and ‘good’ – which sometimes led consumers to believe that lower ratings indicated significant hygiene issues. Restaurant owners also faced challenges in navigating the requirements to improve their rating within the tiered structure. The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety states the new system addresses these concerns.

New ‘Food Safe Business’ Criteria and Signage

Under the revised regulations, restaurants achieving a hygiene evaluation score of 85 or higher will be designated as “Food Safe Businesses.” This is a slight adjustment from the previous standards of 90+ for ‘very excellent,’ 85-89 for ‘excellent,’ and 80-84 for ‘good.’

The signage for designated businesses will also be updated with a new design and the inclusion of an English translation to improve clarity for international visitors. The designation’s initial date and expiration date will be clearly displayed on the signage.

Focus on Food Safety Globally

This change in South Korea aligns with a broader global focus on enhancing food safety measures. The Food Safety Magazine highlights the importance of evidence-based action and updated data, such as the forthcoming WHO global foodborne disease estimates, in driving targeted interventions. The UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) is also identifying emerging food technologies to proactively address future food safety needs.

Ongoing Food Safety Concerns

Recent outbreaks, such as the E. Coli outbreak linked to RAW FARM cheddar cheese reported on March 16, 2026, by Food Safety News, underscore the continued importance of robust food safety protocols and vigilant monitoring.

The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety’s move to a simplified “Food Safe Business” system represents a proactive step towards improving transparency and public confidence in restaurant hygiene standards.