Scores on the Doors
What is it?
Scores on the Doors is the name given to a
scheme which publishes food safety scores for food businesses based
on the latest inspection findings.
The primary purpose of a Scores on the Doors
scheme is to empower consumers so they can make more informed
choices about where they buy their food. The
scheme can also encourage businesses to raise their
hygiene standards.
Under the Scores on the Doors scheme, each
food business is given a score that reflects the inspection
findings. The score may be displayed at the food business
or on a website where consumers can see the scores for all the
businesses in their local area.
A variety of Scores on the Doors schemes have been
run by different local authorities over the past few
years.
A New National Scores on the Doors Scheme
The Food Standards Agency has approved a new six-tier Scores
on the Doors scheme for England, Wales and Northern
Ireland.
The hygiene rating scheme will have six levels representing the
different standards of food hygiene found by the local authority
officials when they undertake a hygiene inspection.
The scope of the scheme will cover all businesses that supply
food direct to consumers so this will include supermarkets,
restaurants, cafés and takeaways.
Displaying 'scores' will be voluntary, but should be in a
prominent position so that consumers can easily see it.
A new UK steering group will be set up to manage the move
towards this national scheme.
