Scores on the Doors at the National Food Hygiene Rating Scheme
If you run a food-related business such as a restaurant or catering company, you will know how crucial it is to maintain excellent hygiene standards. This involves the implementing the highest levels of training in food safety, being meticulous about cleanliness and adhering to every part of food hygiene legislation.
A new scheme launched by Transparency Data is offering another incentive for food businesses to maintain exceptional standards, although for some establishments it should be seen as a warning. The initiative is a National Food Hygiene Rating Scheme called “Scores on the Doors”, in which restaurants, takeaways and other food businesses are publicly rated based on food safety standards.
Similar to existing schemes elsewhere in the world such as the US and Canada’s the scheme promotes greater transparency by publishing the results of local authority food hygiene inspections online and via a mobile phone service.
The inspections look at hygiene standards, structural conditions and management of areas where food is prepared and served. The scores awarded to businesses are based on the Food Standard Agency (FSA) Food Law Code of Practice, and goes up to a maximum of five stars.
Overall, the aims of the scheme are to:
- Empower consumer choice
- Improve business standards
- Increase transparency