Hygiene Scores published Worldwide (20/06/06)

As part of the Scores on the Doors scheme, which aims to improve hygiene in food businesses, potential customers can log on to find out what star rating a particular premises has been given before they decide to eat there. The councils site also feeds into www.scoresonthedoors.org.uk ratings for businesses across the country can be seen.

Under the scheme, premises are given up to five stars depending how well they perform in three categories - food hygiene and safety, building conditions and management.

The Scores on the Doors web pages were officially launched last week as part of National Food Safety week, in conjunction with the Little Chef, on the A5 in Hockliffe who themselves received four stars. South Bedfordshire District Council is the home authority for Little Chef, which means that environmental health officers advise the company on national food safety issues.

Environmental Health Manager, Sandra Moore, said: "The Scores on the Doors initiative enables customers to make informed choices about where to eat. We often make choices based on the menu, surroundings and word of mouth, but by showing the hygiene ratings on the web, people can be sure that they are eating somewhere that is maintaining good food hygiene."

Roger Pearce, Risk Management Director for Little Chef, said: "The Scores on the Doors scheme is a fantastic concept and Little Chef would like to give its full support. As a business we are constantly striving to improve our standards, from food quality and service to hygiene and safety and any scheme that helps customers make informed choices must be a good thing.

"We are absolutely thrilled for the staff at our Hockliffe restaurant in gaining a four star rating and will be aiming to repeat and build on that success at our other sites in the UK. With ongoing support from businesses and a consistent approach to communication by local authorities across the country I am sure this will become a benchmark for the industry."

As the name suggests, every outlet that is inspected can also display their score on their front door if they wish to. While showing the scores on the doors is voluntary at the moment, the council hopes that as many premises as possible will want to show their commitment to safety and hygiene by taking part. Scores for all registered food businesses have received a rating from the council.