
CIEH calls for mandatory food hygiene ratings. What should we expect?
Food hygiene ratings are a snapshot of the standards of a local establishment at the time of an inspection. They give the general public comfort and confidence that the food that they are consuming is free from harmful microbes. But what if we could no longer trust the ratings they were using? It could compromise the system, and there could be real apprehension and mistrust from the public in the health and safety standards across the country.
In a recent investigation by the BBC into various supermarkets, cafes and takeaway restaurants, several were found to be deliberately misleading their customers as to their hygiene rating. Chillingly, there were, among them, venues displaying 4- or 5-star ratings that were listed as having a 0- or 1-star rating. Some had mouse traps set and others were selling food way past their sell by date.
“The BBC investigation was shocking,” said Professor Chris Elliot, vice president of the CIEH, when speaking in a BBC interview, “We can’t have a situation where people are falsifying the ratings and giving consumers a feeling of trust that’s actually not deserved.”
As a result of the BBC’s investigation, at least two of the investigated establishments, one of which was a Sainsbury’s, have improved their rating. But why is this happening? Why are we not able to trust these displayed ratings?
The problem that lies at the heart of this issue is one of enforcement. In England, unlike in Northern Ireland or Wales, shops are not required to display their food hygiene ratings. The current hygiene rating scheme is voluntary and presently just 69% of businesses display their sticker according to the CIEH. The introduction of a mandatory scheme would empower local authorities to enforce the disclosure of correct ratings when asked by a customer.
As of yet the government has yet to issue a statement on whether any legislation regarding food hygiene rating display is in the pipeline, however according to CIEH statistics, 4 out of 5 businesses support the implementation of mandatory display of food hygiene ratings.
As recruiters in the Environmental Sector, we want to get the views and perspectives of EH professionals on this topic. We would love to hear your thoughts:
-If mandatory displays were to be introduced, how would we enforce this to prevent the falsification of ratings?
-Would this involve more frequent inspections of food establishments?
-Would this involve adding different checks to regular site visits?
-What could be done to mitigate this issue in the meantime?
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