Welsh Government plans to make food hygiene ratings compulsory
The Welsh Assembly Government is expected to publish proposals today to force all food businesses to display a food hygiene rating on their premises, with the threat of a fine if they do not.
Restaurants and takeaways could face a maximum £1,000 fine if they fail to display their score under the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme, which was previously known as Scores on the Doors.
The scheme could come into force by 2014 if it is approved.
Health Minister Lesley Griffiths, who will launch a three-month consultation into the proposals, said the legislation will help to improve food hygiene across Wales, according to walesonline.co.uk.
"The scheme will enable consumers to make a more informed choice about where they choose to eat or shop for food," Griffiths said.
Food business are awarded a food hygiene rating of between zero and five based on their regular environmental health inspections.
Julie Barratt, director of the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health in Wales, said: "We think this is a marvellous idea and believe it is important for the public to be able to make informed choices about where they eat."
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By Neil Gerrard
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