FSA releases Scores on the Doors consultation

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has published the preliminary results of its consultation on introducing a UK-wide Scores on the Doors scheme rating restaurants' hygiene levels.

The consultation, which took place from May until August of this year, found that the majority of respondents support a nationwide scheme, with more than half (52%) of those questioned representing the hospitality industry.

However, while enforcement bodies and consumer organisations favour the use of stars to represent the scores, industry figures have rejected this and are backing a two-tiered scheme listing "pass" or "improvement required".

Opinions differ over suggestions for the re-inspection of premises, with local authorities rejecting the hospitality industry's demand for re-scoring. However, all groups agreed that businesses should be given the chance to appeal.

There was general support for the display of the scores at the premises as well as online, with local authorities voting for a mandatory display in the future.

Earlier this year, the House of Lords rejected a proposal from local authorities in London to force pubs and restaurants in the capital to openly exhibit their hygiene ratings, which currently are marked on a scale of one to five stars.

Mixed reaction to ‘scores on the doors' scheme >>

‘Common sense' victory for operators on scores-on-doors hygiene scheme >>

Councils push for compulsory scores on doors >>

FSA launches ‘scores on the doors' consultation >>

By Kerstin Kühn

E-mail your comments to Kerstin Kühn here.

Caterersearch.com jobs
Looking for a new job? Find your next job here with Caterersearch.com jobs