Food and drink consumers are being
urged to ‘look before they book’ this Christmas!
District Council environmental health officers
want them to check out the food rating of businesses before they
buy.
The ratings system was launched across
Hambleton and Richmondshire in September – to help consumers choose
where to eat out or shop for food. Businesses are rated from 0 to 5
– 5 for the best and 0 for the worst.
“So far more than 850 businesses across the
two districts are members of the scheme - restaurants, pubs, cafes,
takeaways and hotels as well as supermarkets and food shops,” said
Richmondshire spokesperson, Councillor Ken Lambert.
“That is 38 more than when it was
launched. And we are really pleased to see that 650 of
them currently score 4 and 5 - a rise of 53 on September.”
Hambleton’s Cabinet Member, Councillor Peter
Wilkinson, added: “Businesses are keen to be seen to be improving
so are embracing the guidance we offer and asking to be re-assessed
once they have made change.
“As the festive season fast approaches we want
to see customers using the scheme to check the ratings of
businesses before they buy. To ’Look before you book’ might
save them from using a business with poor hygiene scores.”
The ratings are displayed on window stickers
and certificates – as well as being listed on
food.gov.uk/ratings;.hambleton.gov.uk and richmondshire.gov.uk
The score is given following inspection by a
council food safety officer – it is the rating at the time of the
inspection. One of six scores can be given - 0
means urgent improvement is necessary, while 5 means the business
was found to have very good hygiene standards.
The national scheme aims to reduce foodborne
illnesses and ensure consistency for businesses and clarity for
consumers across the country.
November 18, 2011
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