PR 2182

31 March 2008

Food safety ratings now online

Food safety ratings for more than 400 premises are now available to everyone via the internet.

The Scores on the Doors website allows everyone to find out how hygienic and well-managed the food preparation is in more than 72,000 premises nationwide.

At a launch event on Monday (March 31), Mayor Sally Blake presented four- and five-star premises with certificates recognising their high standards.

Environmental health officers inspect and score food premises using three criteria - food safety and hygiene, structure and competency management.

Of the 412 businesses inspected in Crawley, there are:

• 11 (three per cent) five-star premises, categorised as excellent
• 72 (21 per cent) four-star premises - very good
• 76 (23 per cent) three-star premises - good
• 93 (27 per cent) two-star premises - broadly compliant
• 63 (15 per cent) one-star premises - poor
• 28 (eight per cent) no-star premises - very poor.

Six businesses in Crawley are due to be reinspected, while 69 premises are classified as low risk and do not have regular inspections.

Angela Tanner, Head of Environmental Services, said: "This new website is a great way for the public to find out more about the standards of food preparation, hygiene and management in their favourite restaurant, pub, café or burger bar.

"The results also recognise the work put in by the better performing establishments, while encouraging the under-performing businesses to improve their processes and receive a higher star rating at their next inspection."

To view Crawley's results, visit www.crawley.gov.uk and click the link on the homepage. Results are also available on mobile phones via wap at www.sotd.tv

Allan Hambly

01293 438781

allan.hambly@crawley.gov.uk