Scores on the Doors made easy
Released: 23 July 2007
Wolverhampton City Council has made it even easier for people to check the hygiene standards of shops, pubs, restaurants and cafes. In March the local authority launched its Scores on the Doors scheme which allowed people to see star ratings for all food-serving establishments in the city.
Now the online system at www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/sotd has been improved to offer a better service. The website enables users to see the most up-to-date information because scores are now placed online immediately following a hygiene inspection. Previously scores were only updated on a monthly basis.
The search facility has been improved and allows site visitors to find what they want by searching for either a name, address or type or premises.
The new-look website also has a section for businesses to post a response to their score and let customers know what they have done to improve their hygiene standards since the inspection.
Premises in the city which prepare, sell or serve food undergo regular unannounced inspections by qualified officers. These visits determine an overall premises rating based on three key areas of compliance with the Food Standards Agency code of practice, these are:
- confidence in management of the business including the track record of the company, its willingness to act on previous advice and enforcement and the attitude of the present management towards hygiene and food safety.
- the current level of compliance of food hygiene practices and procedures including food handling practices and procedures, and temperature control.
- the current level of compliance relating to the structure of the premises, including cleanliness, layout, condition of structure, lighting, ventilation, washing facilities etc.
Following an inspection each business is awarded a star rating ranging from zero (very poor) to 5 (excellent). That score then gets published live onto the city council’s website.
In addition, a certificate detailing their rating will be sent to the business along with their inspection report which they will be encouraged to display at the premises.
More than 1,000 premises have been inspected including pubs, cafes, restaurants, takeaways, schools, and supermarkets. A two star rating is deemed satisfactory and is the minimum legal requirement.
Three premises in the city have been awarded the top five-star rating. They are butchers CR Caddick, of Childs Avenue, Woodcross, Whitgreave Infants School of Low Hill Crescent and Freshway Foods of Stafford Road.
Councillor Pat Byrne, cabinet member for the environment, said: “Since the Scores on the Doors scheme was launched earlier this year we are already seeing it is having the desired effect. Businesses are getting in touch with our food inspectors and asking what they can do to improve their hygiene standards and their rating.
“We want all premises that prepare or sell food in Wolverhampton to take a real pride in their standards of hygiene. Those that do are able to proudly display a certificate showing their customers just how seriously they take good hygiene.”
Issued by the press office.