New scheme tells punters where it’s cleanest to eat

CONSUMERS in Londonderry, Strabane, Omagh and Fermanagh will be able to judge the hygiene standards of food outlets following the Regional launch of the new Food Hygiene Rating Scheme (FHRS).
By The Newsroom
Published 30th Jun 2011, 10:14 BST

The new FHRS scheme will allow customers at food outlets to quickly assess the hygiene standards of local businesses where people can eat or buy food, from cafes and restaurants to supermarkets and delis.

Mayor Maurice Devenney said the new scheme would help people make informed choices around the purchase of food and where they shop and eat.

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He thanked local food outlets for their co-operation in the implementation of the scheme and said he was confident it would be a success.

Senior Environmental Health Officer with Derry City Council, Genevieve McWilliams commented: “The interest from food businesses in the Derry City Council area has been exceptional with the vast majority of rated premises getting either the top rating or four out of five. Our local food businesses understand that getting a good food hygiene rating is going to be good for business.”

Michael Jackson, Head of Food Safety and Operations, Food Standard Agency in NI, said: “The aim of the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme is to help people make informed choices around the purchase of food - wherever they eat or shop. Would-be diners can now ‘look before they book’ by checking out the Food Hygiene Rating online at www.food.gov.uk/ratings.

“People can also look out for the scheme’s new green and black stickers and certificates that food businesses are being encouraged to visibly display in premises, not just in the Western Area but right across Northern Ireland.”

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The scheme uses information from routine food hygiene inspection programmes carried out by Council environmental health staff.

It is being rolled out by participating Councils and the Food Standards Agency as part of a transparent UK - wide approach to food hygiene meaning would-be diners can be assured the ratings of their local chippy will be consistent with a potential holiday hotel across the water.

Derry City Council area already boasts some of the highest food hygiene ratings available with the vast majority of all rated businesses scoring an impressive four out of five or the top five out of five rating. Visit www.derrycity.gov.uk/fhrs

Anyone wanting to find out more about the scheme or check out food hygiene ratings can log on to www.food.gov.uk/ratings.

Related topics:StrabaneRegionalFermanaghOmagh