‘Game changer’ on the way for businesses with lower food hygiene ratings

Almost half of customers at 77 South Holland food premises would snub them on their current food hygiene rating when displaying a window sticker becomes mandatory, a report claims.

Commercial insurer NFU Mutual found that 44 per cent of people would turn away from even their favourite restaurants, fast food eateries, cafés and shops if they saw it was rated 3 (generally satisfactory) or less.
The report assesses customer attitudes, public support for new legislation and its potential impact.

Phil Ingleby, agent at NFU Mutual in Spalding, said: “Our report shows that when it comes to food safety, customers have naturally high standards and that a ‘good’ score can no longer be seen as an aspiration but a minimum benchmark.”
More than 89 per cent of businesses in South Holland that serve or sell food have a food hygiene rating of 4 (good) or 5 (very good).

Mr Ingleby added: “It’s fantastic to see that over 89 per cent of food outlets in South Holland have a rating of good or very good and the industry as a whole is taking real pride in food hygiene, but imminent compulsory displays are destined to be a game changer for those businesses struggling to reach the top grades.
“In advance of legislation changes all business owners should prioritise their food hygiene plans and processes, acting now to ensure that they have considered all hygiene and paperwork aspects rated by their local authority including cleanliness, structure and confidence in management, to ensure a continued rating of 4 or 5 for the day an inspector calls.”

The report found that a law for compulsory display of rating stickers in England and Scotland has gained the support of consumers, with 88 per cent in favour and 66 per cent strongly so.

Publication of the report comes less than two weeks after Global Food in Winsover Road, Spalding, was found to be displaying a sticker with a rating of 3, when in fact it is a 2 (improvement necessary). South Holland District Council, which operates the government scheme, asked for it to be removed.

Latest food hygiene ratings are available at www.food.co.uk.