Mid Ulster marks 10 years of mandatory food hygiene rating displays

Mid Ulster District Council is marking 10 years since displaying Food Hygiene Ratings became mandatory in Northern Ireland. Since October 2016, food businesses have been legally required to display their rating prominently, helping customers make informed choices about where they eat or buy food.

Mid Ulster District Council is joining the Food Standards Agency in celebrating a decade of mandatory Food Hygiene Rating Scheme Northern Ireland displays.

Since October 2016, food businesses across Northern Ireland have been legally required to display their Food Hygiene Rating sticker prominently at their premises.

The familiar green and black stickers give customers clear information about the hygiene standards found during the business’s most recent inspection.

How the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme works

The Food Hygiene Rating Scheme is delivered by district councils in partnership with the Food Standards Agency.

In Mid Ulster, Environmental Health Officers carry out inspections of restaurants, cafés, takeaways, food shops and other businesses that handle or sell food.

During an inspection, officers assess hygiene standards and determine the appropriate rating for the business.

The rating scale runs from 0 to 5, with:

• 5 – Very Good
• 4 – Good
• 3 – Generally Satisfactory
• 2 – Improvement Necessary
• 1 – Major Improvement Necessary
• 0 – Urgent Improvement Necessary

A rating reflects the hygiene standards found at the time of inspection. It does not provide a rating of the quality or taste of the food.

Food Hygiene Rating Scheme Northern Ireland reaches 10-year milestone

Chair of Mid Ulster District Council, Councillor Deirdre Varsani, said:

“The Food Hygiene Rating Scheme has become an important part of helping residents and visitors make informed choices about where they eat and buy food.

“Over the past ten years, our Environmental Health Officers have worked closely with local food businesses to help maintain high standards of food hygiene and protect public health.

“This anniversary provides an opportunity to recognise the commitment shown by businesses across Mid Ulster and to thank everyone who has contributed to the success of the scheme.”

Environmental Health Officers also work directly with food businesses to provide advice and support while ensuring food hygiene legislation is followed.

Council praises local food businesses

Melanie Patterson, Environmental Health Service Manager at Mid Ulster District Council, said the scheme provides consumers with useful information while encouraging high standards across the industry.

She said:

“Food Hygiene Ratings give consumers useful information about the hygiene standards found when a food business is inspected.

“Our officers inspect a wide range of food businesses throughout the year, providing advice and support while ensuring food hygiene legislation is met.

“We’re proud of the strong working relationships we’ve developed with local businesses over the past decade and the high standards that continue to be achieved across our council area.”

Customers encouraged to check ratings

As part of the tenth anniversary campaign, Mid Ulster District Council will share more information about the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme.

The council will also highlight the contribution made by local food businesses and recognise the work carried out by Environmental Health Officers.

Customers are encouraged to look for the green and black Food Hygiene Rating sticker before entering a restaurant, café, takeaway or food shop.

Ratings can also be checked online using the official Food Standards Agency Food Hygiene Ratings service.

The online service allows customers to search for businesses by name or location and check the rating awarded following their latest inspection.

What do you look for when choosing somewhere to eat?

Do you check a restaurant or takeaway’s hygiene rating before ordering?

You can check the latest rating of food businesses across Northern Ireland through the official Food Hygiene Rating service before deciding where to eat or shop.