Diners in a Bath restaurant may have thought they were in an episode of the TV drama CSI when members of B&NES Council turned up in white coats to help make sure high standards were being maintained.
The Council’s Public Protection officers joined staff at Hall & Woodhouse, on Old King Street, to demonstrate the measures they take every day to ensure consumers get value for money and avoid health scares from food bugs.
As well as giving the Hall & Woodhouse restaurant a clean bill of health, the event was designed to introduce Bath & North East Somerset Council’s new Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, Councillor David Dixon, to the worthwhile work of one of the teams he is responsible for.
The team demonstrated the measuring flasks and sampling paper which they use to make certain that drinkers are served the correct amounts and the right alcoholic content. They also used digital thermometer probes and laser surface devices to check food and hot plate temperatures were at the right heat to ensure proper food hygiene and safety.
Councillor Dixon (Lib-Dem, Oldfield) said: “It was quite an eye opener to see just how much Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Public Protection team does to help local businesses ensure they provide the best possible food and drink service to our residents and visitors.
“Some of the gadgets they have might look like something out of the CSI TV show but they can be an incredible help in looking after a lot of the things that the ordinary diner might take for granted.
Whether it’s making sure you get the right sized pint for your money or ensuring the food you eat is safe and hygienic without fear of any nasty bugs, Bath & North East Somerset Council takes these steps, in partnership with local businesses, to take care of the ordinary consumer every day of the week.”
Cllr Dixon helped measure drinks behind the bar with Rebecca Sedgwick, Deputy General Manager at Hall & Woodhouse, before putting on a white coat to check out the kitchen with the Council’s Public Protection officers and chat with the restaurant’s Head Chef Paul Rogers.
Ms Sedgwick said: “It’s quite nice to have them all in to help us with an unofficial but very effective audit. They are approachable and friendly which creates a bit more of a rapport with us and it doesn’t make you feel on edge. It’s a good way for businesses to pick themselves up – especially new businesses and those under new management.”
Any businesses that would like to arrange an informal visit or request food and drink safety advice from Bath & North East Somerset Council are encouraged to contact the Public Protection Team on 01225 396753 or [email protected].