Food businesses in Gwynedd are being given an extra incentive to continue the hard work already being undertaken to improve food hygiene standards.
Gwynedd Council is committed to joining the National Food Hygiene Rating Scheme which will be launched in partnership with the Food Standards Agency later this year.
The new National Food Hygiene Rating Scheme applies to restaurants, cafes, takeaways and most shops selling food to the public. As part of the new system, individual hygiene ratings will be made public on a national website and food premises will be expected to display their ratings.
With more than 2,000 food premises, Gwynedd has one of the highest numbers of food premises amongst Welsh Councils. Currently, food businesses in Gwynedd are classified into Categories which are rated in line with the food hygiene intervention scheme as set out in the Food Law Code of Practice (Wales) 2008. Within these criteria, premises are rated by risk categories which determine the frequencies of inspections and visits. Category A are the highest risk premises and subjected to a six month interval whilst Category E are the lowest risk premises.
Councillor John R Jones, who leads on Public Protection matters for Gwynedd Council said:
“As part of the new National Food Hygiene Rating Scheme, businesses will be encouraged to display their hygiene scores. Some businesses may indeed choose not to display their scores, but the public may take a dim view of this and conclude that the business has something to hide. Compliant food businesses are likely to be more popular with the consumer.
“For most food businesses who are practising good standards of food hygiene, the new scheme will provide a positive opportunity for them to publicize goods standards and encourage customers. Certainly, the new scheme will provide customers with clarity and confidence in the places they choose to eat.”
Ffion Wyn Hewson, Public Protection Manager at Gwynedd Council added:
“Qualified officers inspect food businesses throughout the county on a programmed basis in accordance with strict national food hygiene guidelines. We strive to encourage food businesses to improve standards of hygiene. This is done by education and advice, written warnings, formal notice, closure and sometimes prosecutions. Any premises found to have serious breaches of hygiene regulations are dealt with immediately.
“Food businesses in Gwynedd have already received a letter informing them of the new scheme. I would like to encourage any food businesses in Gwynedd which haven’t sent back the form for updating their details for the national scheme’s website to do so within the next few weeks; or alternatively telephone Gwynedd Council’s Food Safety team on 01286 682 728 or email: [email protected]
“With the co-operation and commitment of the food businesses in Gwynedd, we are confident that this new scheme will improve hygiene standards and inform consumers.”
