The little green and black stickers of the national Food Hygiene Rating Scheme are appearing on the doors of catering establishments up and down the UK. Gradually, people are beginning to become aware of what they mean and using them to help make purchasing decisions. All existing food premises in Surrey should have now received their rating certificate and sticker. Whether you are a consumer curious to know the story behind the sticker, or run a business and want to know how to improve your food hygiene rating, this guide is for you!
How does the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme work?
Following an unannounced, routine food hygiene inspection by the environmental health officer, the business will be given a rating from 0 (urgent improvement necessary) to 5 (very good), which will automatically be placed on the Food Standards Agency website linked to the council’s website. The business will also be provided with a sticker and certificate which they have the option to display.
How are the ratings set?
An insight into how the rating is set helps business owners achieve the highest possible rating. In setting the rating the EHO considers only three factors:
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How hygienically the food is being handled, e.g. how it is being prepared, cooked, re-heated, cooled, stored etc.
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The condition of the structure of the premises, i.e. cleanliness, layout, lighting, ventilation and other facilities.
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How the business manages and records what it does to make sure food is safe i.e.
- up-to-date food hygiene training,
- your track record of compliance, and
- a functioning food safety management system.
Once a rating has been set, unless the business formally appeals, they will not be able to ask for a re-rating for some months.
What should a business owner do to prepare for his next rating inspection?
Look at your last food hygiene inspection report to check that you have taken all of the actions needed to ensure that you meet legal requirements.
Ensure that your food safety management system (e.g. Safer Food Better Business) is fully completed and the diary and / or records are being used effectively and are up to date. Make sure that everyone is trained on the system and knows where it is kept.
Check that all your staff and managers’ training is up to date and at the correct level, e.g. equivalent to Level 2 for food handlers and Level 3 for supervisors.
Who runs the scheme?
While this is a national Food Standards Agency scheme, it is administered by the local borough council’s Environmental Health Departments. Almost all Surrey councils run the scheme; one notable exception being Elmbridge Borough Council who run their own star rating scheme. Whichever scheme an authority runs however, the rating will be based on the three factors described above. All catering businesses and food shops are included in the scheme. Home caterers operating from a private address are not automatically included but can request to opt into the scheme and to be listed on the website.
Further information
For details about your local scheme, requesting a re-rating etc contact your borough council environmental health department. You are also welcome to contact Karen Paterson BSc MSc MCIEH at Honour Safe Food for free email advice on how to maximise your rating. Her phone number is 01372 809667; alternatively use the button below to send her an email.
Honour Safe Food runs regular, local courses in food safety for caterers at very competitive rates. The next open Level 2 Award in Food Safety (essential for all caterers) will be taking place at Downsend School, Leatherhead on Monday 2 September 2013. Only £62 per candidate fully inclusive. Please email for a booking form.
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