What it's about:
'Scores On The Doors' is a scoring scheme for ranking businesses on hygiene standards and all food businesses are to be inspected by EHOs.
Until recently scores have not been made public but are now published on the internet and businesses can voluntarily display scores on site.
Displaying scores on site could become compulsory.
What your business is scored on:
- food hygiene & safety procedures including food handling procedures and temperature control
- structure of the establishment including cleanliness, condition, layout, lighting and ventilation
- confidence in management - evidence of documented food safety management procedures/systems, history of complying with food hygiene law and acting on previous advice, and attitude of the management towards hygiene and food safety
FSA Consultation
The FSA began consultation early in 2008 and with so much debate on scoring the hospitality and leisure industry were invited to submit their response to the consultation.
The final date for response has now passed. The FSA will use the information they have to design a model scheme and encourage all local authoritues in the UK to use it.
What will happen next:
The FSA recommendation is due before the end of this year.
During 2009 the FSA will promote this scheme widely on TV and via other mass media. We are already seeing and feeling the impact of TV programmes such as "Rogue Restaurants" as well as national and local newspapers, eg The Independent.
Increasing public awareness = increasing impact on business
Bad score = reduced profits, loss of reputation, even loss of business
NB - if you get a bad score it can be up to 18 months until you get another inspection!
You need to ensure hygiene standards are never compromised in your pub.
Go to the next page for some top tips for a top score.
