‘Nothing to fear’ over food ratings
Food businesses in Walsall have been told they should have “nothing to fear” if ‘scores on the doors’ hygiene ratings become compulsory.
Councillor Garry Perry, Walsall Council’s deputy leader for resilient communities, said it remained his mission for takeaways, restaurants and stores selling food to be made to display ratings in public.
Currently, premises are not required to out their scores out of five following inspections on their doors or windows.
At a full council meeting, Council leader Mike Bird said he was looking to strengthen the budget for the food enforcement team at the authority.
Councillor Perry said: “It will be my continued mission to encourage our Government and the food safety agency to make scores on the doors mandatory.
“I think the general public at large are quite aware of the impact poor food hygiene standards in business premises can have upon their health.
“Scores on the doors are a must. It is happening in other parts of the UK and it needs to happen here.
“There are concerns from the business community about the impact it would have if it was mandated.
“But you shouldn’t fear anything if you’re compliant with what’s expected if you chose to open a business premises that serves food whether that’s takeaway, dining or mobile food on the go.
“I go on a food app and then I go on the council’s website to check out their food hygiene rating.
“You will have seen what action this council takes when businesses do not comply with the legislation – business closures, we go to court, issue fines and drag people before a judge to hold them to account for their actions – and we will continue to do so.”
He added a letter has been sent to Government ministers lobbying for scores on the doors to become law.
Councillor Bird said: “The health of the people who are buying food is not something we should take in a superficial way. We’ve seen deaths throughout the country through poor hygiene.”
