Belfast to publish hygiene scores online from spring

Belfast City Council intends to start publishing health inspection scores online from the spring.

The council is seeking views on a proposed “Scores on the Doors” website, which it intends to set up as part of a UK-wide pilot being undertaken by the Food Standards Agency.

On the website the hygiene inspections of approximately 2,800 businesses, including hotels, restaurants and fast-food stores, will be listed and given a score from one to five (five being best).

Peter O’Reilly, Belfast councillor, said: “Publishing this information will be a handy tool for consumers, allowing them to make an informed decision about where they eat.”

Belfast council believes adoption of the system will improve compliance amongst caterers and lead to a reduction in incidences of illness caused by food poisoning.

You can e-mail your views on the proposals to scoresonthedoors@belfastcity.gov.uk.

Belfast City Council website and release >>

Scottish restaurants to pilot Food Hygiene Information Scheme >>

Scores on the Doors set to become mandatory for restaurants >>

FSA report reveals poor hygiene >>

Eating out in the UK is a 'postcode Lottery' when it comes to food safety >>

FSA Scores on the doors scheme >>

Good game, or just a cheap name-and-shame ploy? >>

By Chris Druce

E-mail your comments to Chris Druce here.

Get your copy of Caterer and Hotelkeeper every week - click here to subscribe and save 25%.