One in Four Food Businesses Below 'Generally Satisfactory' Hygiene Rating

More than a quarter of businesses inspected in West Cheshire are below the 'generally satisfactory' rating when it comes to food hygiene.

The figures have been released to "shine a light on standards" for National Food Safety week. 

The majority of firms in West Cheshire are rated '3' or above (72%) on the scale between 0 and 5. 

The Food Hygiene Rating Scheme helps people choose where to shop for food and where to eat out by giving them clear information about the businesses’ hygiene standards. 

Businesses are given green and black stickers for display at their premises and all ratings are published online, so people can make more informed choices about where to buy and eat food. The vast majority of food businesses in and around West Cheshire are ranked generally satisfactory, good or very good.

The Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment, Councillor Karen Shore said “We have a dedicated team that work hard to ensure that food is safe in Cheshire West and Chesterso that residents and visitors can dine out with peace of mind.  Research shows that foodhygiene when eating out is the UK’s number one food safety concern* so we are really pleased that the majority of our local food businesses hold a rating of 3 or above.”

Angela Towers, Head of the Food Hygiene Rating Team at the Food Standards Agency said: “Working in partnership with Cheshire West and Chester and their expert FoodSafety officers we are dedicated to ensuring that people can trust that the food they buy and eat is safe and honest.  Our Food Hygiene Rating Scheme empowers the public to make informed decisions about where to buy and eat food, it’s also proved hugely effective in driving up standards in food businesses across the country.”

For more details you can visit the Food Standards Agency website.