5* Rating - I did it!!!

#5* Food Hygiene Rating

But what does this mean?

The food hygiene rating scheme (FHRS) helps people choose where to eat out or to shop for food by giving them information about the hygiene standards in food businesses. It’s operated by all councils in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and is run in conjunction with the Food Standards Agency.

To determine a rating for the premises an inspection by one of our food safety officers is required. Ratings are between 0 and 5:

• 0 – urgent improvement required

• 1 – major improvement necessary

• 2 – some improvement necessary

• 3 – hygiene standards are generally satisfactory

• 4 – hygiene standards are good

• 5 – hygiene standards are very good

Businesses are given a window sticker for display and ratings are published online. The rating reflects the standards of food safety and hygiene found at the time of the inspection.

During an inspection, the food safety officer will check the following key areas:

• food hygiene and food safety – how food is stored, prepared, handled, cooked; controls to prevent contamination

• structure – the physical condition of the business including cleaning, equipment and facilities, pest control, layout

• confidence in management – how the business is managed to ensure safe food, staff training, systems and documentation and the level of confidence that standards will be maintained or improved

I have to promise to keep these standard and complete all the important paperwork to be able to maintain this status.