Westminster City Council crowned National Food Champion

The Council's Food Team, which oversees over 5,000 food premises, was one of five winners given the regional award under the theme Improving Safety or Food Standards from more than 72 entrants for the competition. Cabinet Member for Community Protection, Cllr Daniel Astaire, commented on the initiative: "The aim of our work is to celebrate and promote the very best food hygiene and Chinese cuisine through the Masterchef competition, whilst also dealing effectively with restaurants that need help to improve standards." Richard Block, operations manager for food, health and safety, added: "Before the scheme started, there was a history of mistrust between inspectors and restaurant owners. We have worked hard to build trust and relationships with the Chinese community and this hard work has been reflected in positive and lasting improvements." The partnership, known as the Chinatown Hygiene in Partnership Project (CHIP), was set up three years ago to help educate food handlers and business operators on how to improve standards. The project provides officers for better consistency, free food safety training to workers.