WORCESTERSHIRE food officers recently carried out mock food hygiene inspections using the extensive kitchens at a local hotel. 

This was part of their on-going training to ensure consistency in rating businesses as part of the Food Standards Agency national Food Hygiene Rating Scheme (FHRS).

The scheme publishes hygiene standards of food businesses and the exercise was designed to ensure officers were consistent in applying the scoring system.

Worcestershire Regulatory Services joined the Food Standards Agency [FSA] national scheme this summer. The FHRS has already been adopted by over 90 per cent of local authorities and enables consumers to make an informed choice on where they eat out. 

Premises are rated by Environmental Health officers when they carry out food hygiene inspections. Ratings awarded range from five (very good) to 0 (much improvement required). Business are provided with a certificate a distinctive green and black window sticker to display on their premises.

Anyone thinking of earting out, whether it is a family occasion or Christmas party, can check the food hygiene ratings for restaurants, catering outlets, mobile vans and some retail premises across Worcestershire on http://ratings.food.gov.uk. 

For further information contact Worcestershire Regulatory Services on 01905 822799 or see www.worcsregservices.gov.uk.