This page explains the public access rating scheme that we use for catering premises in our borough.

 

The purpose of the scheme is to make available information about the hygiene and management standards in our catering premises, to allow customers to make an informed choice about where they choose to eat.

 

Explanation of the scheme

 

The ratings are based on a 3 star system -

 

3 stars means a good premises

2 stars means a satisfactory premises

1 star means a poor premises

0 stars means a failing premises

 

The system can be accessed by clicking on Foodscores|, which will direct you to a national database of information about food premises.  This site is also being used by a number of Leicestershire councils to publicise their scores.

 

The scheme covers a range of food premises where catering is offered, for example pubs, restaurants, cafes, schools and care homes.  Over the coming months all food premises falling into these categories will be included, as they become due for their routine food hygiene inspection.

 

Therefore if a premises does not appear on the website, it is simply because their routine inspection to award a rating has not yet been due.

 

The rating is given by environmental health officers and is based on national guidelines set by the Foods Standards Agency Code of Practice for Enforcement Officers.

 

It takes account of food hygiene and safety processes, structure of the establishment and confidence in management of the food business.

 

It has nothing to do with how tasty the food is, how polite the staff are or how attractive or comfortable the restaurant may appear.  This is for customers to judge.  However customers may wish to consider the hygiene ratings when choosing where to eat.

 

Similar schemes are available for many other parts of the country, and if you would like to view these go to

www.food.gov.uk/safereating/hyg/scoresonthedoors/scoresengland|