Food hygiene information scheme

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From 6 November 2006, consumers can see how well food businesses in Renfrewshire fared in their last food hygiene inspection. This two-year pilot scheme 'opens the doors' to the kitchens and food areas of local restaurants, cafes and takeaways. The scheme applies to about 400 food outlets in Paisley, Johnstone and Renfrew town centres, the Braehead centre, Glasgow Airport and Xscape.

Each outlet is asked to display a certificate on the door or window of their premises, saying whether they have passed their hygiene inspection or whether improvement is required.

The scheme is designed to give straightforward information about how each food outlet fared at its last food hygiene inspection carried out by the Council's environmental health inspectors.

View Inspection Results

What the results mean

A Pass indicates that the business broadly meets the legal requirements. These requirements include the conditions found and the management procedures in place for providing safe food. Where a business fails to meet these requirements, it is issued with an Improvement Required certificate.

A very small number of premises may be registered as food businesses although it is unlikely that customers will view them as food premises, for example a hairdresser who provides coffee and snacks to customers. The assessment for such premises will have concluded that the food safety risk is negligible and they are classified as Exempt Premises. In such cases (and only with the agreement of the business), a certificate will not be issued and the information shown on this website will indicate that the business is currently exempt from the scheme.

Where a business has not yet been inspected, usually a new business, it will be issued with a temporary certificate advising consumers that it is Awaiting inspection. Premises will also require to be re-inspected where they have changed ownership.


Who is backing the scheme?

It was developed and implemented by the Food Standards Agency Scotland, with the support of consumer organisations, industry and local authorities. The Scottish Consumer Council and the consumer group Which? have both been actively campaigning for a food hygiene information scheme. They have been fully engaged in the development of the pilot in Scotland. Their research clearly shows people want to know how hygienic their local takeaway or restaurant is.

Both believe that this new pilot scheme will help drive up hygiene standards, people will be able to make informed choices and therefore be able to eat out in confidence without risking their health. The scheme will also benefit consumers by ensuring that businesses continue to comply with the law.

Businesses have been asked to display certificates prominently on the door or window of their premises, showing how well they did in their last hygiene inspection. If you visit a premises within the pilot area who do not have a certificate displayed, you may wish to ask them why?

Survey

We would value your opinion on the Food Hygiene Information Scheme in Renfrewshire and the ease with which you found the information you were looking for on the Renfrewshire web site.

To help us please complete the short survey below . The information will be used to further develop the scheme, and our online food hygiene information. This survey will close in August 2008.

Food hygiene information scheme survey


How do I get more information?

Further information is available by going to the Food Standards Agency website, or by contacting us using the contact details below:

• email: b-serv.es@renfrewshire.gov.uk
• phone: 0141 840 3106
• fax: 0141 842 5457
• call or write to us at:
  Renfrewshire Council
  Consumer Protection
  Environmental Services
  Renfrewshire House
  Cotton Street
  Paisley
  PA1 1EF