People who want to enjoy a meal out can avoid their festive season being ruined by food poisoning with the help of the Council.
They have helped compile a handy list of food hygiene ratings for a wide range of outlets – from fast food joints to sit-down restaurants – so that diners can check out just how hygienic the eateries are.
The Food Hygiene Rating Scheme rates eateries and other places that sell food on their hygiene standards, based on inspections carried out by Bath & North East Somerset Council.
This national scheme, developed by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) in partnership with local authorities, rates food outlets on a scale ranging from zero at the bottom (which means ‘urgent improvement necessary’ to a top rating of five (‘very good’).
You can check the rating online at www.food.gov.uk/ratings, via a free phone app, or look for the distinctive green and black rating sticker that businesses are encouraged to display.
Councillor David Dixon (Lib-Dem, Oldfield), Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods,said: “If you’re organising a Christmas gathering with family, friends or work colleagues at a local restaurant, pub or hotel don’t just examine the menu – check what their hygiene rating is too.
“We’re pleased to report that of the 1,502 food outlets currently listed on the Food Hygiene Ratings Scheme, 68 per cent have received the top mark of 5 from Bath & North East Somerset Council, showing that their standards are very good indeed.”
Diners on the move who want to check out a food outlet’s hygiene rating can download the free FSA app from Google Play (www.food.gov.uk/app-android) or iTunes (www.food.gov.uk/app-itunes).
Catriona Stewart, Head of the Food Hygiene Ratings Team at the FSA, added:“No-one wants to gamble with their health when eating out, particularly when celebrating a special festive meal. Local authorities, including Bath & North East Somerset Council, have worked with the FSA to successfully roll-out the scheme which helps people choose where to eat. Our app makes it even easier for people to check hygiene ratings before deciding which place to visit.”
