Herefordshire Council launches ‘Scores on the Doors’

Have you ever wondered about the hygiene of a restaurant's kitchen? Or how safely the grub you are about to tuck into was prepared before it reached your plate?

From January 28, 2008 people will be able to find out easily about the food hygiene standards of food businesses in Herefordshire and also across Worcestershire.

From this date, the local authorities in the two counties will be making detailed results of food safety inspections publicly available.

Scores on the Doors is a pilot scheme supported by the Food Standards Agency to show how well food businesses meet current food laws. Premises inspected since January 1, 2007 will have be awarded star ratings relating to the scores given to them by environmental health staff during their most recent food hygiene inspection.

During the next few days, around 900 food businesses across Herefordshire will have received notification of their star rating along with a certificate that they may exhibit in their premises.

Businesses are being asked to wait until January 28 before displaying their star ratings so look out for certificates at your local pub, restaurant, café, shop or take-way.

Andrew Tector, Herefordshire Council's head of environmental health and trading standards, said: "We are convinced, based on the success of this scheme in other parts of the UK and abroad, that standards will improve. The visibility achieved by this scheme will give consumers the ability to make informed choices."

So, from January 28 why don't you search for those food hygiene scores by visiting the Council's website or by looking for certificates at those premises that have been rated.