Food hygiene not a 'regulatory burden'

Organisers of the national Scores on the Doors food hygiene scheme have defended it against accusations that it's a massive regulatory burden.

The scheme, which sees food retailers displaying a star rating for hygiene, was listed among the many burdens on pubs by Poppleston Allen partner Graeme Cushion, at a seminar organised by the law firm.

Christian Polzin, communications secretary of the National Scores on the Doors Group, denied Cushion's claims that venues are subject to more inspections under the scheme.

"Scores on the Doors has been one of the most effective methods of raising food hygiene standards," said Polzin. "Generally, consumers and proprietors absolutely love the scheme and the benefits it provides them. A key benefit to businesses is the ability to use a good rating within their advertising material to attract more consumers.

"Scores on the Doors incorporates many aspects of the better-regulation agenda, and truly offers the safer and more hygienic businesses lighter-touch regulation, allowing resources to be focused on the more unhygienic food outlets."

Around one in four councils currently operates Scores on the Doors, and the steering group for the national roll-out of the scheme had its first meeting last week.

"[The FSA] will be setting up a couple of working groups that will look at details of the scheme," said steering group member

Rita King, who is deputy director of pubs and leisure at the British Beer & Pub Association.

King said she stressed that any premises meeting required hygiene standards should get a five-star rating, with a no "gold plating" approach where venues need to go beyond that to reach the top grade.

The steering group is set to meet again in July.