Scores on the doors scheme launched

People wanting to eat out in Herefordshire now have an opportunity to know what happens behind the kitchen door and can have extra confidence in what they eat thanks to a new initiative launched by Herefordshire Council.

The Scores on the Doors scheme rates all food manufacturing businesses on their standards of hygiene, five star being excellent and no stars being very poor.

Mr Nigel Maud of New Inn, St Owen's Cross and InnSide Out Catering, was awarded two five-star certificates for his businesses.

Speaking at the launch at the Bank House Hotel, Bransford, on Monday (January 28) Mr Maud said: "This scheme is a massive step in the right direction, giving consumers confidence in what they eat.

"I will be going straight back home today and putting my certificates on display so people know we take food hygiene seriously.

"The scheme will encourage all businesses to improve their hygiene standards and I am happy to act as a mentor for those with lower scores so they can raise their game as well," he added.

Scores for those food-related businesses so far rated in Herefordshire will be posted on the council's website where there is a link on the front page or by logging straight on to http://www.scoresonthedoors.org.uk/ All people need to do is type in the name of the establishment and the location and the scores will be revealed.

Scores are also available by SMS on mobile phones and people have to text sotd followed by the name of the business and the town to 60060.

Andrew Tector, Herefordshire Council's head of environmental health and trading standards, said: "This scheme means consumers will now have confidence in the hygiene standards of premises they visit and we hope all businesses will aspire to gain four or five stars.

"This will have the added benefit of reducing the possibility of food poisoning and encouraging more people to eat out in the county," he added.

Scores on the Doors in Herefordshire is being operated in partnership with district councils in Worcestershire and Worcestershire County Council.