Scores on the Doors

In April 2007 the Food Team at Peterborough City Council introduced a "Scores on the Doors" scheme, which allows members of the public to see the results of the last food hygiene inspection in the form of a star rating.

Currently, under the Freedom of Information Act, residents have the right to request information on inspections of all food premises. The "Scores on the Doors" scheme allows people to see the information they are legally entitled to receive but in a manner which is easy to understand.

What are the benefits?

To the public

The main aim is to raise the standards of food safety for consumers. The scheme gives the public the opportunity to make informed choices about where they choose to eat or buy food based on food safety.

To businesses

The scheme serves as a good advertisement for high standards of hygiene, which in turn may improve business and reward them for their efforts.

How the scheme works

At present, when a business is inspected the officer scores the premises according to the standards found at the time of the visit. The scoring system used is based on a national rating system. This score also calculates the star rating in the "Scores on the Doors" scheme. The business will be sent a sticker and/or certificate showing the number of stars they achieved.

The scoring system

Each business is scored on the following three areas:-

Food hygiene and safety includes food handling practices, food handling procedures and temperature control.
Structure of the establishment including cleanliness, condition of the structure, adequate lighting and adequate ventilation.
Confidence in Management evidence of satisfactory documented food safety management procedures, whether there is a good history of complying with food law and acting on previous advice and the attitude of the management towards hygiene and food safety.

The score results in one of the following star rating being awarded:

5 stars = Excellent standards
4 stars = Very good standards
3 stars = Good standards
2 stars = Fair standards
1 star = Poor standards
0 stars = Major improvements required

Disclaimer

The information held has been gathered by suitably qualified Enforcement Officers in the course of their inspections. All inspections are carried out in accordance with the Food Safety Act, the European Communities Act and their regulations, and the Food Standards Agency's Code of Practice and Guidance. Food premises may only be inspected every 6 - 36 months as specified in the Food Standards Agency's Code of Practice. The hygiene rating given to premises on this web site has been based on the latest inspection carried out and as such represents the situation as found by the officer on the day of that inspection. Therefore the score may not be representative of the overall, long-term food hygiene standards of the business and should not solely be relied upon as a guide to food safety or food quality.