Find out how your local eatery rates
It is very important that all food businesses
obey the law and supply food that is safe to eat. Consumers in
Harlow will be able to quickly tell how well a food business in
their area complies with food hygiene regulations through the new
'scores on the doors' scheme, being
launched next Monday, the 6 October 2008.
The primary purpose of the new scheme is to empower consumers so
that they make more informed choices about the places from which
they purchase food. This will be easily done by going to Harlow
Council’s website : and following the links to see the Star Rating
achieved by all businesses included in the scheme. Most food
businesses, including all restaurants, cafes and take-aways will be
displayed and the ratings will be between:0 Stars (very
poor) and 5 Stars (excellent).
Harlow Council’s Environmental Health staff inspect food
businesses on a regular basis to ensure that they meet the legal
requirements on food hygiene and safety. Under the 'scores
on the doors' scheme, each food outlet is
given a score that reflects the inspection findings and focuses on
Structure, Hygiene and Confidence in
Management. Certificates will be issued and Harlow
Council is encouraging businesses to display this at the point
of sale.
Experience with similar schemes suggests that as well as
providing information to consumers, the scheme can encourage
businesses to enter into competition with their competitors
and raise their hygiene standards. The Environmental Health Service will continue
to provide support to businesses that wish to improve their
star rating.
Further information including details
of food outlets and their scores will appear on the Council website
shortly.
More information on how the stars are
awarded and the scheme in general is available at: www.scoresonthedoors.org.uk.