Restaurant Hygiene Scores Now Online

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As 'Scores on the Doors' make inspection results available to consumers

From Michelin starred restaurants to the local café food hygiene inspection results from 80,000 of London’s eateries are now available to the public.

The London Scores on the doors scheme will see almost every restaurant and food outlet in Chiswick rated according to their latest food hygiene inspection reports, enabling consumers to make informed choices about where to eat.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) supported pilot will unite a number of existing schemes in London into one consistent, consumer friendly, easy to access website.

Food outlets have been rated between zero and five stars. A two star rating is defined as largely compliant with national requirements. Restaurants which fail to meet this standard are advised on how to improve and, where necessary, could be subject to enforcement action.

However, it should be noted that scores apply to the time of the last inspection only, so the rating is simply a snapshot in time and may not represent current conditions at the business. Businesses are allowed to post comments if they feel standards have improved since. They can also make a formal complaint to the council if they disagree with the score.

A number of local restaurants failed to receive any star rating including All Bar One, Andy's Kebab (although this could be down to it's ongoing refurbishment), Chris's Fish and Chips, West Kebab, May's Chinese, Taj Indian, Turnham Green Café and Café Piccolo. All businesses have been issued with a certificate and window sticker with their star rating on. Currently display is voluntary, but discussions are taking place to make it a legal requirement.

CIEH Principal Policy Officer Jenny Morris said, “We are delighted consumers will be able to exercise choice about where to eat, based not only on the menu but also on how conscientious the restaurants are in maintaining hygiene. This scheme will provide an opportunity for the public to access information all in one place, and in a consistent format. Importantly, it will recognise those businesses which work hard to maintain good standards and for others it should drive improvements, which is an outcome we are all seeking”

Head of Strategy and Policy Branch at the FSA, Nathan Philippo said, "The Food Standards Agency is pleased to be working with local authorities to deliver scores on the doors. We see increased consumer awareness as a key tool in the future of local authority engagement with businesses."

Peter Williams Deputy CEO of London Connects added, “This pan London web service demonstrates London’s local authorities’ commitment to keep their customers informed of topics that matter to them. Delivering information locally and across London has resulted in authorities working together for a common cause – shared information and developing a common environmental health practice across London – a benefit to all.”

Participating boroughs include Ealing, Hounslow, Wandsworth, Hammersmith & Fulham and Richmond. Further details can be found at www.yourlondon.gov.uk/foodscores.

October 10, 2007