Norwich Eateries improve their hygiene

Evening News 24 - Eateries improve their hygiene

56% of a sample of Norwich businesses improved their first star rating by at least one level at the second inspection. The Norwich scheme started in 2005, so they have a good evidence base now.

The Publican - Home - BBPA claims food hygiene scheme is misleading

The Publican - Home - BBPA claims food hygiene scheme is misleading

The British Beer and Pubs Association is unhappy with proposals by London local authorities to make display of scores on the doors certificates compulsory. The proposal is in a Bill currently before Parliament. It would certainly be premature at his stage to make display compulsory as the scheme is still in its pilot stage, but it would not come into force until an "appointed day" in each Borough.

One In Four Food Outlets Unhygienic (from Worcester News)

One In Four Food Outlets Unhygienic (from Worcester News)

Star Ratings For Clean Restaurants (from Bromsgrove Advertiser)

Star Ratings For Clean Restaurants (from Bromsgrove Advertiser)

Worcestershire Councils are launching Scores-on-the-Doors in their areas from Monday 28th January.

Restaurants Across Sussex Get Scores On Doors (from The Argus)

Restaurants Across Sussex Get Scores On Doors (from The Argus)

Sussex local authorities have decided to adopt scores-on-the-doors from April 2009.

Mixed report on restaurant hygiene - Kenilworth Today - Back to Home Page

Mixed report on restaurant hygiene - Kenilworth Today - Back to Home Page

Warwick Council is now publishing scores-on-the-doors.

Score On The Doors In New Eating Guide (from Malvern Gazette)

Score On The Doors In New Eating Guide (from Malvern Gazette)

Malvern District is now publishing scores-on-the-doors

Follow up

A responder to an earlier entry made this response:

"Is a kitchen fit for its purpose or not !
Surely thats all the public need to Know.
If it does not meet legal requirements then it should not be operating.
FSA pass (job done)
The web sites say information should not be relied upon !
All very confusing"

So, is my correspondent right. In short, no! A kitchen may be 100% physically OK and clean, but hygienic practices may be poor or even potentially dangerous. That is why scores-on-the-doors schemes take various factors into account.

What if a kitchen is not compliant with regulations, but they are fairly minor and not a direct threat to health. Our correspondent says it shouldn't be operating. I have to tell you that there would be a huge number of closed restaurants if that were the case. So, its not a case of black or white, as there are many shades of grey.

My correspondent also says the website says don't rely on the information. That is correct, as the information in the rating was true on the date of inspection. Things may be better or worse today. You might want to contact the health department to see what follow up action has taken place since the inspection. If you visit an establishment use your eyes and ears. What are the toilets like? Is the back yard tidy? Ask to see the kitchen maybe?

Scores-on-the-Doors is just one indicator of standards, but there are many other clues and sources of information you can take into account when deciding where to eat.

Scores On The Doors For Food Excellence (from This is Hampshire)

Scores On The Doors For Food Excellence (from This is Hampshire)

Scores-on-the-Doors has arrived in Test Valley, Hampshire, as reported here.

Double The Restaurants Are Serving Five Stars (from Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Double The Restaurants Are Serving Five Stars (from Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Bradford Council has reported that the number of 5 star (excellent hygiene) premises has doubled in the year since scores-on-the-doors was launched in the city.