The FSA to update their food hygiene rating scheme:
Last week the Food Standard’s Agency wrote to all the local authorities in England, Wales and Northern Ireland to inform them of a brand new launch this autumn.
From the 1st of October the national Food Hygiene Rating Scheme (FHRS) will be rolled out by all 22 local authorities in Wales and by many ‘early adopter’ local authorities in England too.
The new scheme has been re-branded for the launch, which aims to make the food hygiene ratings system easier for consumers to use. It’s been reported that the old ‘star’ rating has gone and a numerical scale will take its place.
Catriona Steward, Head of the Food Hygiene Ratings Team said:
“We are very pleased with the look and feel that the new branding gives to the scheme as it makes it easy for consumers to see at a glance what the hygiene rating is.”
The new ratings scheme is a welcomed development for most restaurant and cafe owners, who find the current service confuses consumers.
The Swindon Reporter last week quoted Phil Saunter calling the system “confusing”:
“Customers thought it had something to do with the quality of the food whereas it was just about how clean the premises were. You had Michelin starred places only getting two stars because they didn’t keep their fridge temperature records properly, but McDonald’s getting five stars for instance. “
But Mr Saunter also thinks the total re-branding is a little unnecessary:
“They are also going to be changing all the branding, signs and letterhead, which sounds to me like a complete waste of money, especially when the Government announced that it is going to scrap the FSA.”
Swindon isn’t one of the early adopters of the new scheme and Phil Thomas, head of commercial regulation at Swindon Council, said:
“We will explore this option further and see if it is something we wish to adopt in Swindon when clearer proposals have been presented by the FSA.”
What do you think?
Are you happy the FSA are re-launching the scheme or do you think it’s just a waste of time and money?
Let us know in the comments!
Food Hygiene Certificates:
If you own a restaurant or cafe, you may wish to ensure your team are fully trained so your own establishment scores highly on the ‘Scores on the Doors’ scheme. You can get a food hygiene certificate in as little as two hours by visiting our website: click here.
