Scores on Doors hits Newcastle

Every food business in the Newcastle from hospital kitchens to fine-dining restaurants will be rated according to their cleanliness and hygiene. The scheme's scores range from five stars (excellent) to zero (very poor) and businesses will be encouraged to display their scores. Businesses with low ratings will continue to get support and advice from Newcastle City Council's team of food safety experts on how they can improve standards. Enforcement action will be taken where necessary. The Food Standards Agency, the scores' scheme founder, is working hard to support small businesses with the free Safe Food Better Business pack, a simple plan for implementing good procedures. Anita Lower, City Council executive member for transformation, modernisation and regulation councilor, said: "This is not a naming and shaming exercise, the idea is to encourage food businesses that aren't up to scratch to put in place measures and systems that will help them serve safer food. "Feedback from other local authorities who have taken up the scheme show it is a hit with both the public and food business owners." Newcastle City Council visits more than 1,200 businesses across the city every year. Weblink: www.scoresonthedoors.org.uk