FSA attacks "unacceptable" hygiene standards

Restaurants and catering premises are under attack from the Food Standards Agency (FSA) after the latest official statistics revealed that over half of those inspected were breaking at least some food safety laws. Of the 235,969 restaurants and catering establishments inspected last year 118,555 had broken hygiene rules. FSA chairman Sir John Krebs said: "We want consumers to be able to enjoy their food safely. When they go out for a meal they should take away a good experience and not a nasty bug. "Although some breaches may be minor it does point to generally low standards. It is simply not acceptable." He added: "We will be working with the industry to address this as part of a wide-ranging campaign to improve food hygiene standards." The agency is now working with the industry to develop practical initiatives to increase hygiene standards and is planning a high-profile campaign to raise hygiene awareness within the industry. Earlier this year the agency considered introducing a Michelin-style rating system that would tell consumers about a restaurant's hygiene standards. The system is still being considered and discussed. by Samantha McClary