Food Standards Agency cooks up new hygiene rating system

Dec 21 2010 by Henryk Zientek, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

FOOD businesses in Kirklees are getting help to prepare for a new national initiative.

The Food Standards Agency is introducing a new Food Hygiene Rating Scheme which will make it compulsory for all food businesses to publish their hygiene ratings nationally and clearly communicate them to consumers.

Since the launch of the scheme, previously known as Scores on the Doors, regional food group deliciouslyorkshire has been advising its members on how to prepare for the audit.

Support available from deliciouslyorkshire includes a pre-audit covering food hygiene and safety and confidence in management – resulting in a point rating based on current FSA guidance and a list of recommended actions.

The organisation is also offering a Food Safety Manual, which can be purchased as it is or personalised to suit the company’s needs to help achieve the highest rating.

Catherine Riley, of deliciouslyorkshire, said: “It is key for consumers to have the ability to access information on businesses’ food safety and hygiene standards.

“The introduction of this uniform measure will allow customers to easily compare different restaurants across the nation.

“Preparing for the audit can be a lengthy process, but deliciouslyorkshire are able to help with every stage of the audit process, from the preparation stage, to recommended actions and personalised food safety manuals.”

Contact Catherine Riley at deliciouslyorkshire.