Basildon Council is reminding residents to check food hygiene ratings before visiting restaurants and takeaways this festive season.
Officers from the Environment Health Team carry out inspections throughout the year to ensure that food establishments across the borough meet standards. They hand out ratings ranging from 0 to 5, with 80% of businesses currently deemed to be 5 – Very Good.
Food hygiene practices can be managed well if the food handlers undergo something like a food safety level 2 course. Hygiene practices can weigh more in most hotel rating and food inspection procedures. However, ratings take into account a range of criteria other than hygiene practices, such as structural standards and confidence in management. Businesses that are struggling in any of these areas may want to visit https://www.sentientuk.co.uk/food-hygiene/ to speak to a food hygiene consultant who can help them improve their score. The scheme applies to restaurants, takeaways, pubs, hotels, supermarkets and other retailers.
Cllr Alan Ball, Chairman of Basildon Council’s Regeneration and Environment committee, said: “Christmas is a busy time of the year with people across the borough planning parties with their colleagues, friends or family. Taking a few moments to check the hygiene rating of your chosen venue can help ensure that you enjoy a great meal out.
“For businesses with a good hygiene rating, our message is to be loud and proud by displaying your window sticker clearly.
“Support is on hand for food establishments trying to improve, including coaching visits. We want to work with businesses to ensure that residents and visitors have a wide variety of safe, tasty and well-run restaurants to choose from.”
Visit www.food.gov.uk/ratings for more information.
