New food hygiene ratings

A new Food Hygiene Rating Scheme has been launched in Three Rivers making it easier for local residents to find out about the hygiene standards of food outlets in the district.

This national scheme, developed by the Food Standards Agency in partnership with local authorities in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, provides information on food hygiene standards to help people to choose where to eat out or shop for food.

The new scheme will build on the success of the District Councils’ Scores on the Doors scheme.

Food outlets, such as restaurants, takeaways and pubs, are inspected by Council food safety officers, to check that their hygiene standards meet legal requirements.

John Scott, Commercial Standards Manager, said:

“We check to see if the food is being prepared, cooked, and stored correctly. Is the equipment used clean, suitable and properly maintained?  Does the business understand what it needs to do to ensure that food is safe? We then give a score in each of these areas.”

Under the scheme food businesses such as restaurants, takeaways, retailers, schools and mobile traders will be given a hygiene rating ranging from zero (urgent improvement necessary) to five (very Good).