Roadshow comes to Renfrewshire

Wednesday 8 August 2007

Ref: 16/07

Around 80% of food businesses participating in a pilot scheme in Renfrewshire currently meet the legal requirements for food hygiene.

These figures are available as part of a Food Standards Agency Scotland scheme, which applies to all food businesses in Perth and parts of Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Fife and Renfrewshire.

Visitors to the Food Hygiene Information Scheme roadshow in the Braehead Shopping Centre next week will be able to find out how to access this information themselves.

In total, around 3000 establishments are involved in the Scottish initiative, and have been asked to display certificates prominently on the door or window of their premises.

These certificates saying 'Pass', 'Improvement Required', or 'Awaiting Inspection', clearly show how well each outlet has fared in its most recent hygiene inspection.

At the end of July, across the Renfrewshire Council pilot area, 252 outlets have passed; 64 require an improvement and four are awaiting inspection.

Marion McArthur, Head of Local Authority Food Law Enforcement Branch, Food Standards Agency Scotland, said: 'This scheme was designed primarily to give consumers useful information, at a glance.

'We’re holding a series of roadshows across the pilot areas during 2007. These roadshows aim to raise awareness among the general public about the scheme and how it can benefit them.

'For example, an interim evaluation of the pilot scheme carried out earlier this year showed that the overwhelming majority of both consumers and trade felt the scheme would make food businesses more likely to comply with food hygiene regulations. Indeed, 98% of consumers felt it was fair that the public is able to check a retailer's or caterer’s food hygiene status.'

Councillor Marie McGurk, Convener of Renfrewshire Council's Environment and
Infrastructure Board, said: 'I am sure that people visiting food establishments in Renfrewshire will like the fact that they can see at a glance how well food establishments did in their most recent hygiene inspection.

'This scheme gives consumers greater confidence and encourages establishments to meet high standards as they know the results will be on display for all to see. It's also important to note that businesses which haven't yet met the highest standards of hygiene will be getting practical advice from food hygiene inspectors on meeting the required standards.'

Members of the public are invited to visit the roadshow on Friday 17 August between 10am and 5pm and speak to representatives from Renfrewshire Council and the Food Standards Agency Scotland.

Further information about the scheme or businesses' hygiene inspections can be found on thiswebsite or the Renfrewshire Council website.