Mayor Signs Borough to “Scores on the Doors”
The Mayor of Bedford Borough, Dave Hodgson,
has signed the paperwork to introduce a new scheme that will keep
customers better informed about hygiene standards when eating out
in the Borough.
The ‘Food Hygiene Rating Scheme’ (FHRS),
developed by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) in partnership with
local authorities, provides information on food hygiene standards
to help people choose where to dine or shop for food.
Food outlets such as restaurants, takeaways
and pubs, are inspected by food safety officers to check that their
hygiene standards meet legal requirements. The hygiene standards
found at these inspections are rated on a scale ranging from zero
at the bottom (which means ‘urgent improvement necessary’) to a top
rating of five (‘very good’).
These ratings will be available for anyone to
view on a website. The business will be given a sticker and
certificate that they are encouraged to display at the entrance of
their premises. This means that their customers can easily see them
and decide if they want to go in.
Councillor Will, Hunt Portfolio Holder for
Community Safety said: “Joining the FHRS will bring benefits for
local food businesses and their customers. This is great idea and
will help people to choose where to buy their food and should also
encourage restaurants to up their game.”
The Mayor of Bedford Borough, Dave Hodgson
said: “For the first time residents will be able to have confidence
when visiting food outlets in the Borough that have been inspected
and awarded grades for hygiene. This is part of my commitment for
transparency and openness across the Borough.”