Winchester marks success of food hygiene rating scheme
Winchester is marking the success of the national food hygiene rating scheme five years on.
The scheme, which has scores from 0 where urgent improvement is needed to 5 for ‘very good’, was launched in 2010 to help consumers make informed choices and maintain and improve hygiene standards in food outlets.
In the Winchester district, 98% of those in the scheme have a rating of 3 or more with over 500 premises enjoying the highest rating of 5.
The scheme is designed so that anyone anywhere can check the rating of local food premises whether this is in Winchester, York or Cardiff.
The Food Standards Agency is keen that more people ‘look-before-they-book’ by checking the hygiene rating before deciding where to eat.
There are more than 455,000 ratings available to view online at www.food.gov.uk/ratings . People can use mobile phone apps or look for the green and black sticker on display. By checking the rating diners can be reassured that they have chosen a food business that takes food safety seriously.
Those running a food business should be aware that anyone can achieve the top rating of 5. 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.
Cllr Frank Pearson, Portfolio Holder for Environment, Health and Wellbeing, said: “Winchester City Council is proud to be part of the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme. More and more customers are making an informed choice and voting with their feet so we are encouraging all businesses in the City Council area to display their rating. Food businesses work hard to achieve a good rating and it is something of which to be proud.”
The ratings are determined by local authority food safety officers and are given following an inspection. There are 6 ratings 0 - 5, with a 5 rating meaning very good food hygiene standards.
Find out more at http://www.food.gov.uk/business-industry/caterers/hygieneratings