Warning over food hygiene

A WARNING to check the hygiene of restaurants before dining out this Christmas has been issued by Warrington Borough Council.
It says before eating out people should not only check the venue and the menu – but also hygiene standards based on inspections carried out by the council.
The Food Hygiene Rating Scheme rates eateries and other places that sell food on their hygiene standards, and ratings are available for everyone to see.
This national scheme, developed by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) in partnership with councils, rates food outlets on a scale ranging from zero at the bottom (which means “urgent improvement necessary”) to a top rating of five, (“very good”).
Ratings can be checked online at www.food.gov.uk/ratings or via a free phone application. Customers can also check by looking for the distinctive green and black rating sticker that businesses are encouraged to display.
Cllr David Keane, the council executive member for environment and public protection, said: ‘When dining out, you’ll choose to go to a place where you like the food and you know you’ll have a good time.
“It makes sense to look before you book and check out the food hygiene rating as well.”
Catriona Stewart, head of the food hygiene ratings team at the FSA, said: “No-one wants to gamble with their health when eating out, particularly when celebrating a special festive meal.
“Local authorities including Warrington have worked with the FSA to successfully roll-out the scheme which helps people choose where to eat. Our application makes it even easier for people to check hygiene ratings before deciding which place to visit.”