Clean cuisine - 5th anniversary of Food Hygiene Rating Scheme

The Food Hygiene Rating Scheme was launched in 2010, making it easier for local residents to find out about the hygiene standards of food outlets in the district, and this year celebrates its fifth anniversary as a successful service protecting public health in relation to food.

This national scheme, developed by the Food Standards Agency in partnership with local authorities, provides information on food hygiene standards to help people to choose where to eat out or shop for food. These outlets and organisations are then inspected by Council food safety officers, to check that their hygiene standards meet legal requirements, and are provided a hygiene rating ranging from zero (urgent improvement necessary) to five (very Good).

The scheme has been a huge success so far, with 325 (out of a total of 326) local authorities in England now operating the scheme compared to 137 in the first year. The Food Hygiene Rating Scheme wants to build on this success to increase this and reduce consumer risk even further – we want more and more people to ‘look before they book’ and check the rating before choosing.

Councillor Phil Brading, Lead Member for Public Services said: “‘Three Rivers District Council is proud to be part of the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme since 2012. More and more customers are making an informed choice by voting with their feet so we are encouraging all businesses in the local area to display their rating. Food businesses work hard to achieve a good rating and it’s something to be proud of.’

Over a third of businesses displaying their rating at their premises say it has made a difference by attracting more custom, improving their reputation and increasing customer confidence. Furthermore, telling people about hygiene standards in food outlets in a way that is clear and easy to understand has made a real difference. Around 93% of food businesses are rated a 3 or better nationwide, so there are plenty of places you can choose with good standards.

The scheme covers businesses supplying or serving food direct to consumers such as restaurants, takeaways, cafés, pubs, hotels, schools, hospitals, care homes, supermarkets and other retailers. Residents can view ratings at www.food.gov.uk/ratings