Welsh Hygiene Ratings must be displayed
At a time when over 100 food businesses in Wales have been issued with a ‘zero’ hygiene rating, the Food Hygiene Rating (Wales) Act 2013 has come into force.
Introduced by the Welsh Assembly Government, food businesses in Wales are now legally required to display their ratings at their premises.
Following an inspection, food businesses will be provided with a ‘new’ ratings sticker (that includes the Welsh Government logo), which will have to be displayed in a prominent place – such as the front door or window – and at all customer entrances.
The requirement applies to places where people eat out, including restaurants, takeaways, mobile caterers, cafés, hotels and pubs; places where people shop for food, such as supermarkets, bakeries and delicatessens; and establishments such as schools, hospitals, children’s nurseries and residential care homes.
David Jones, head of community protection at Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, spoke of the scheme’s success in driving up standards:
“We firmly believe that the introduction of the scheme accounts for the increase in the percentage of our food premises that are broadly compliant from 50% to 84% since it began in October 2010.
“It is not surprising that some owners of low scoring businesses have decided not to display their scores under the voluntary scheme.”
Don Meredith, Director of Food Safety at Santia Consulting Ltd commented:
“The new requirement for food businesses in Wales to display their hygiene ratings, means that those who under-perform can expect to lose customers. It’s easy enough for people to check a website to see the hygiene rating, but a zero – or other low score on the front door, will speak volumes.
“Every food business should be able to achieve the maximum score, which would be highly attractive to customers just as a low rating would put people off. Operators of food businesses should view this as an opportunity to attract new custom by proudly displaying ratings which would make people want to eat their food. It is an opportunity which should not be wasted.”
