The Food Hygiene Rating Act 2016 has been enacted today, making the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme mandatory for food businesses in Northern Ireland.

Restaurants, pubs, cafes and some other places that serve food - including hospitals and schools - will be required to display their hygiene rating.

A voluntary scheme has operated since 2011.

Further regulations to be introduced next year will mean businesses which offer online take-away will need to publish their rating online.

Health Minister Michelle O’Neill told BBC News: “I am delighted to see the Food Hygiene Rating Act, which was passed by the assembly in December last year, coming into operation today introducing the requirement for food businesses to display their hygiene ratings.”

She added: “With display rates remaining low it was clear that legislation was required to ensure that all businesses provide this information.”