Larne eateries score well in hygiene rating

While this is great news for would-be diners, what about the five per cent of food businesses that don’t meet the hygiene standard?

This is where the food hygiene rating scheme provides invaluable access to information about what goes on behind-the-scenes to check food is prepared hygienically and safely.

Consumers in Larne can look out for the green and black food hygiene rating stickers which should be displayed on windows and doors to find out the rating of any food business in their local area.

If there is no sign of a sticker, then diners are encouraged to ask inside or check online at food.gov.uk/ratings to make sure the business doesn’t have a low rating.

The scheme, which is operated by Larne Borough Council, rates food businesses on a scale of zero to five, with zero meaning ‘urgent improvement necessary’ and the top rating of five representing a ‘very good’ standard of food hygiene.

Those businesses with a rating of zero, one or two have hygiene standards below that expected by food law.

Philip Thompson, director of environmental services at Larne Borough Council, said: “The food hygiene rating scheme is a fantastic tool for all consumers in Larne to find out the hygiene standards of the food businesses in the area.

“Most people would like to think that the kitchens and food preparation areas in the places they buy food from are clean and hygienic.

“The stickers make it easy for everyone to check a rating and if it is below three you should consider switching your choice rather than eat somewhere with a low hygiene rating.

“Our aim is to drive up standards so that all food businesses in the area have a rating of three or above,” Mr Thompson said.

Local diners are encouraged to go online and check out the food hygiene rating of their favourite local eateries at food.gov.uk/ratings.