Social Care News

'Scores on the doors' food hygiene ratings must now be displayed at care homes

The Welsh Government’s food hygiene scheme has now become compulsory (on November 28) – and it applies to anywhere where people eat out including residential care homes and hospitals as well as restaurants, cafes and takeaways.

Establishments must now display their ‘scores on the doors’ (food hygience ratings) prominently at a front door or window as well as at every customer entrance.

The statutory scheme introduced by the legislation will be based on the current voluntary Food Hygiene Rating Scheme, operated by local authorities in partnership with the Food Standards Agency (FSA)

Food outlets will be rated from 0-5 on criteria such as how the food is prepared, cooked and stored and the condition of the premises and how food safety within the business is managed. A rating of 5 means hygiene standards are very good and 0 means urgent improvement is necessary.

Local authority officers will enforce the statutory scheme in their area and ensure ratings are correctly displayed and should be contacted by businesses which need advice on the display of stickers and how the legislation will apply to them.

Local authorities will issue new stickers from the end of November and businesses will be required to display these.  As well being displayed at businesses’ premises, ratings will also continue to be available on the FSA website.

Health Minister Mark Drakeford said of the scheme: "For consumers, the rating will mean they are able to make informed decisions about where they choose to eat or shop for food.

“For businesses, good food hygiene means a good hygiene rating which could increase trade, as well as meeting food law requirements and protecting their customers from food-borne illness.”

Find out how Scores on the Doors' affects your residential care home

Welsh Government: More food hygience ratings to be seen by end of November

BBC: Food outlets will be forced to display food hygiene ratings