Clearer definition needed for pub hygiene scheme
Venners stocktakers has called for clearer definitions for the "scores on the doors" scheme for rating hygiene levels at pubs and restaurants.
The move comes after the Food Standards Agency (FSA) announces the launch of a 12-week consultation on the potential nationwide rollout of scores on the doors.
The FSA said it would consult on two possible schemes: a four-tier system with three stars and a fail rating; and a three-tiered scheme with "pass", "improvement required" and "fail" ratings.
Over the past two years, more than 100 pilot schemes of scores on the doors have been adopted by councils.
However, there have been a number of different interpretations of the initiative, causing confusion for owners and operators.
Stuart Knill, food safety general manager at Venners, said: "These awards have been tried out in the past, and have worked to a degree, but the lack of cross boundary consistency has caused much confusion and frustration to both those in the industry and the public.
"To date, many councils have adopted different scoring systems. For example South Holland District Council in Lincolnshire uses Three Tulips/Two Tulips/One Tulip/No Tulip as their rating scheme, while the neighbouring Boston Borough Council awards Gold/Silver/Bronze/Nothing."
He said a number of councils use a star rating - but some have five as the top mark while others have three.
When an Environmental Health Officer (EHO) makes a visit regarding scores on the doors they are looking at three areas within the premises: food hygiene and safety, structure of the establishment, and confidence in management.
However, each EHO can have a different attitude and perception of what a place should be like and that this can also impact scores.
Knill added: "If the FSA is to take this process forward after the consultation period, it needs to adopt a clearly defined, one-size-fits-all approach, if the scores are going to be fair and consistent."
