Food businesses in Taunton Deane achieve top marks for hygiene

The old star ratings - Food Scores - operated by Taunton Deane Borough Council have been replaced with the number rating system in use across the country. The new national scheme is very similar to Food Scores in that it will provide consumers with information about hygiene standards in food premises at the time of inspection. There are six different food hygiene ratings between 0 - 5, the top rating represents a very good level of compliance with legal requirements and all food businesses irrespective of size should be able to achieve this. In the latest inspections carried out by the Council's Food Safety team a total of 13 premises gained the full five rating - among them a health farm, after school club, primary schools and a pub. Ten of the 29 premises inspected gained a four rating while five rated just one and only one outlet was rated at zero. Councillor Ken Hayward, who hold the Environmental Services portfolio, said: "Food Safety officers work closely with any poorly performing premises to provide additional guidance and support to encourage them to improve and then maintain standards, however enforcement action is considered with those that continue to flout the law. "I know that the old Food Scores star ratings were very popular with consumers locally and I am delighted that the new system is being rolled out successfully. "People will be able to look at how their chosen eatery has been rated and make up their own minds. It is also very gratifying to see that most of the premises inspected so far have been rated at either 4 or 5."