Failing to display its Food Hygiene Rating has landed a Pontypridd business in hot water – or coffee as Cortile Coffee Ltd. has found out.
In Wales, customers have a legal right to know the food hygiene rating of their local café, restaurant, takeaway or business that sells food. Failing to display this information is illegal and will result in a £200 Fixed Penalty Notice being issued to the business.
Following a routine food hygiene inspection, carried out by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Environmental Health Officers, the owner of Cortile Coffee Ltd., Mr Richard Metcaffe failed to display a Food hygiene rating of 2. The Officers then advised Mr Metcaffe that it was a legal requirement that the rating sticker must be on display to the public at all times. A new ratings sticker was then sent to the business, but Cortile Coffee Ltd., ignored the advice and once again failed to display the ratings.
As a result, the Council had no choice, but to serve a Fixed Penalty Notice of £200 on Mr Metcalfe, however he failed to pay the fine, and the matter was escalated to the courts for failure to display a food hygiene rating.
The case was heard in Merthyr Magistrates Court in the absence of anyone from the business. The matter was proved and Mr Richard Metcaffe of Cortile Coffee Ltd., was found guilty of the offence.
Cortile Coffee Ltd. were fined a total £1,016 (including fine and costs) and Mr Richard Metcalfe the Director of the company was also fined an additional £280.
Councillor Robert Harris, Cabinet Member for Communities, said:
“In Wales, unlike in England, displaying the green-and-black hygiene rating sticker is a legal requirement.
"The Food Hygiene Rating Scheme is a vital tool for public health and provides customers with an immediate snapshot of the hygiene standards behind the kitchen doors.
“In turn the ratings allow residents and visitors to Rhondda Cynon Taf to make an informed choice as to where they purchase their food.
“Our officers are keen to work with local businesses to maintain and improve food hygiene standards, the large majority of which clearly display their rating stickers.
“However, we will not hesitate to take enforcement action against businesses that attempt to hide their ratings or mislead the public.
“This prosecution could have been avoided if the owner clearly displayed their valid rating sticker.
“They could have also paid the Fixed Penalty Notice, rather than having to face paying £1296.”
This latest case should act as a clear reminder to ALL food businesses in Wales, including restaurants, takeaways, and mobile traders, that they must:
- Display their valid rating sticker at every entrance used by customers.
- Ensure the sticker is in a prominent position, easily readable before the customer enters.
- Verbally inform customers of their rating if requested (e.g., over the phone).
The Council’s Environmental Health officers will always look to support businesses before any action is taken and if a business needs more advice or would like to arrange a re-rating inspections, the team are happy to help - However, the law regarding the display of the current score remains absolute.
For more information on food hygiene requirements in Wales, visit the Food Standards Agency website at food.gov.uk/ratings.
Find out business food hygiene ratings in Rhondda Cynon Taf here
To find out more about food hygiene in Rhondda Cynon Taf visit www.rctcbc.gov.uk/FoodHygiene
Posted on 11/03/2026