Scores on the doors scheme approved

The hygiene rating scheme will have six levels representing the different standards of food hygiene found by the local authority officials when they undertake a hygiene inspection. The aim is that all ratings will be prominently displayed at the business premises. A decision will be made on what symbols should be used to represent these tiers following further consumer research. In addition to the six-tier scheme, it was also agreed that the scope of the scheme will cover all businesses that supply food direct to consumers so this will include supermarkets, restaurants, cafés, takeaways and hospital canteens, displaying 'scores' will be voluntary, but should be in a prominent position so that consumers can easily see it, and a new UK steering group will be set up to manage the migration towards this national scheme. Sarah Appleby, head of enforcement at the Food Standards Agency, said: "Consumers and many local authorities have told us that they support systems that show a range of hygiene standards. Some businesses who responded to our consultation also supported a progressive scale but most had concerns about this approach. "Now that the Board has decided to move towards a six-tier scheme in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the new steering group will be working to ensure that the new scheme will be clear, robust, and easy to use for both businesses and consumers. We want this scheme to help people to make informed choices about where they eat, be a catalyst for businesses to drive up standards and help make eating out as safe as it can be." Between May and August this year, the Agency consulted on a proposal for a national scheme.