CMi

10/9/2010 -

What is Scores on the Doors?

Scores on the Doors (SOtD) is a scheme which will be introduced in England, Wales and Northern Ireland in 2009 and will apply to all businesses that supply food direct to the consumer, including supermarkets, restaurants, cafes and takeaways.

The ‘Scores on the Doors’ scheme involves the publication of simplified hygiene ratings, based on local Environmental Health Officer inspection results, either on local authority or commercial websites. The same information can be voluntarily posted up on the premises, often in the form of stars, to help consumers make an informed decision about whether to eat there. Many local authorities have already been running various pilot schemes over the last two years.

The Food Standards Agency has now approved a single national Scores on the Doors scheme. It will have six levels, representing the different standards of food hygiene found by Environmental Health Officers when they undertake a hygiene inspection, with businesses being awarded between one and five points (the highest). The lowest or sixth level will be a “zero” or “fail” rating. The simpler Pass/Improvement Required scheme will continue in Scotland as currently.

Premises which earn four or five stars have achieved hygiene standards well in excess of the statutory requirements and are understandably keen to display this information on the door.

For premises which are unhappy about their score and eager to improve it there will be access to re-inspections and an appeals procedure. The FSA will be clarifying how this will work in due course.

In London, it is likely that the 33 local authorities will make display of the hygiene scores on the premises compulsory.

How can NSF-CMi help you?

Safer Food Better Business

The Safer Food Better Business system is a simple-to-follow documented food hygiene system. With SFBB you can have all the information you need to be fully food hygiene compliant after a simple 3 hour coaching session.

Having an SFBB system in place will improve your position with the Local Authority Environmental Health Inspector and should positively influence your ‘Scores on the Doors’ rating.

NSF-CMi is the approved national contractor for the Food Standards Agency for the provision of SFBB training and coaching support and is one of the most experienced providers, having already delivered over 20,000 coaching visits for Local Authorities around the country.

For more information about SFBB click here

NSF-CMi audit and inspection services

NSF-CMi auditors can visit your premises to advise you on all aspects of food safety, health and safety, fire safety and trading law. We can help you be ready for an Environmental Health Officer visit and/or prepare to challenge a Scores on the Doors rating.

How to get in touch with us:

NSF-CMi
enquiries@nsf-cmi.com
Phone +44 (0) 1993 885600
Fax +44 (0) 1993 885 603