News

North Down Gives ‘High 5’ For New Food Hygiene Rating Scheme

06 June 2011

North Down Borough Council is among the first in the UK to roll out a major nationwide scheme designed to inform people about the food hygiene standards in local food outlets. 

The new national Food Hygiene Rating Scheme (FHRS) was launched on 6 June to mark the start of Food Safety Week in Northern Ireland.  It provides ratings for more than 11,000 local food businesses – from cafes and restaurants to supermarkets and delis – with some 500 of these in North Down.     

Under the scheme, food businesses are rated on a scale of zero to five, with zero meaning ‘urgent improvement necessary’ and the top rating of five representing a ‘very good’ standard of food hygiene.  The ratings are based on information gathered by Environmental Health Officers during routine inspections of the premises.  Consumers can now check out these ratings at www.food.gov.uk/ratings or simply look out for the striking green and black stickers and certificates inside food businesses.

Operated by the Food Standards Agency in Northern Ireland, in partnership with 18 local councils, the launch of the scheme in Northern Ireland also coincides with the scheme being rolled out in Wales and England. 

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