Michelin Guide: Official hygiene ratings ‘not part of the criteria’ to award stars

The Michelin Guide has confirmed that hygiene inspections conducted by local authorities are “wholly separate” from the criteria used to award stars.

In a statement to The Caterer, a spokesperson for the Michelin Guide said: “The Michelin Guide assesses restaurants solely on the quality of their cuisine. Hygiene inspections are conducted by local, independent authorities in line with each country’s legislation and are wholly separate from the Guide’s evaluation process.

“While hygiene and food safety are essential for any restaurant, official environmental health ratings are not part of the criteria used by the Michelin Guide when awarding Stars, Bib Gourmand or other distinctions.”

It comes after a one-star hygiene rating for the two-Michelin-starred Ynyshir Restaurant & Rooms in Powys, Wales, stirred much media speculation it could hinder its chances of winning a third star.

While sharing his Michelin predictions with The Caterer, David Ellis, restaurant critic at the Standard, said: “It will be interesting to see if any of the press around Ynyshir and its one-star hygiene rating has a last-minute influence. Will the inspectors really want their guide associated with (perceived) poor cleanliness? If stars are dropped, it might suggest so.”  

Last month, representatives from Ynyshir said handling practices that “differ from conventional kitchen operations” contributed to the one-star hygiene rating.

The restaurant has also requested an early reinspection in line with Ceredigion County Council’s guidance.

Ynyshir retained two Michelin stars at the ceremony in Dublin last night.

Read more about the Michelin Guide Great Britain & Ireland 2026

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• Michelin green stars awarded in the 2026 guide
• Michelin Special Award 2026 winners
• Michelin reveals new Bib Gourmands for 2026 guide
• Restaurants that lost stars in 2026 Michelin Guide
• ‘Guinnesses are all around’: Chefs react to 2026 Michelin stars