SCORES ON THE DOORS SCHEME DELIVERS BOOST TO FOOD HYGIENE RATINGS

12.00.00am GMT Wed 16th Dec 2009

The 'Scores on the Doors' food hygiene rating system for food retailers in York has already had a big impact on cleanliness standards according to figures released today.

In the six months since the new system was launched 45% of city's restaurant, bars and food retailers have improved their rating.

Under the scheme businesses are inspected by City of York Council's Food and Safety Unit who give them a star rating from zero (poor hygiene) to five-star (excellent).

Across the city the average increase in rating in half a star, while 105 of the 402 premises inspected have seen a rise of more than one star.

Businesses are encouraged to display their score on the premises to allow customers to have easy access to information about standards of hygiene and cleanliness. Ratings for all the businesses inspected are displayed on the Scores on the Doors website www.scoresonthedoors.org.uk.

Liberal Democrat Executive Member for Neighbourhood Services, Councillor Ann Reid said she was pleased with the impact the scheme was having.

She said, "The idea of the scheme was that giving customers information about hygiene standards would encourage businesses to look closely at their food safety and drive them to improve their standards."

"The scheme is only six months old so it is very encouraging to see so many businesses improving their rating already. The early indications certainly show that the system is a success."

Councillor Reid praised the work of the Council's inspection teams saying, "The team have done an excellent job of ensuring that businesses see the Scores on the Doors system as a positive thing and they have worked hard to help businesses improve their rating."