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Food businesses urged to highlight 'High 5s' success
Food businesses urged to highlight 'High 5s' success
Food businesses that are awarded high scores for their hygiene standards under a nationally recognised scheme should do more to publicise their success. It will help set them apart from their competitors and attract more customers.
That was the advice from Marcia Nightingale from the Food Standards Agency (FSA), speaking at a celebration event for local businesses that had gained a "High 5" mark, the top score under the national Food Hygiene Rating Scheme (FHRS).
Ms Nightingale said: "More consumers than ever are checking food hygiene ratings displayed by businesses. This allows them to choose those with a good rating and avoid the ones that don't make the grade
"Our research shows that over a third of businesses displaying their rating at their premises and on their websites report a positive impact - an improved reputation, increased customer confidence or more customers."
Forty-two top-scoring businesses attended the event held in Fenland Hall, March, earlier this month (May). Each one was presented with a "Fenland's High 5s" certificate.
Congratulating them, Cllr Mike Cornwell, the council's Cabinet member responsible for environmental health, said: "Your success is down to your hard work and commitment to ensuring that high standards of hygiene are maintained in your business. That is why you deserve this High 5s accolade."
The FHRS assessments are carried out by Fenland District Council's environmental health officers during unannounced inspections. There are six levels of rating from 0 (urgent improvement necessary) to 5 (very good).
The ratings are displayed on the FHRS website, http://ratings.food.gov.uk/
Businesses are given a sticker showing their score which they are encouraged to display prominently within their premises.
The FHRS has three main aims: to provide a fair and open mechanism for assessing businesses' food hygiene standards, to encourage consistent high standards and thus reduce the incidence of food-borne illness, and to allow consumers to make informed choices about where they buy food.
A total of 134 Fenland food businesses have achieved the top rating since the FHRS scheme was adopted by Fenland District Council in 2011.
Article added May 24, 2016
Food catering businesses attending the celebration:
Alderman Payne Primary School, Parson Drove
Barns Restaurant, March
Buffet Masters, Whittlesey
Chestnuts Home, Wisbech
Conservative Club, Whittlesey
Cook Catering, Wisbech
Deans Funfair, March
Elgoods Visitor Centre, Wisbech
Elms Nursing Home, Whittlesey
Friar Tucks Fish and Chip Shop, Whittlesey
Fridaybridge Fish Bar, Friday Bridge
Gorefield Primary School, Gorefield
Hog Roast Catering Co, Wisbech,
Kings Dyke Truck Stop, Whittlesey
Langley Lodge Rest Home, Wisbech
Loafers, Wisbech
Lucky House Chinese Takeaway, Coates
Lunchtime UK Elm Primary School, Elm
Lyn croft Residential Care Home, Wisbech
Millennium Takeaway, Wisbech
Nestle Purina Staff Canteen, Wisbech
Oasis Restaurant, Beales store, Wisbech
Peckover House, Wisbech
Peckover Primary School, Wisbech
Terry's Diner, Wisbech
Wendy's Rolls, Benwick
Wheatsheaf Inn, Wisbech
Willow Lodge, Gorefield
Cambridgeshire Catering Services
All Saints Primary School
Clarkson Infants School
Coates Primary School
Elm Road Primary School
Friday Bridge Primary School
Glebelands Primary School
Guyhirn Primary School
Leverington Primary Academy
Meadowgate Primary School
Murrow Primary School
New Road Primary School
Ramnoth Junior School
Westwood Junior School
Wisbech St Mary Primary School
Article added May 24, 2016
