Welsh Government
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Food leaflets to point the way to hygiene ratings
New rules requiring food businesses to inform people about how to find out about their food hygiene rating are being proposed by the Welsh Government.
The new regulations, which would apply to selected publicity materials promoting food businesses and is subject to a current public consultation, could come into force in February 2015, Health and Social Services Minister Mark Drakeford has announced.
The Food Hygiene Rating (Wales) Act 2013 requires food businesses to display their food hygiene rating stickers, which show customers their rating from zero to five. Their rating is based on their compliance with food hygiene legislation and helps people to make informed choices about where to eat or shop.
The introduction of the legislation almost a year ago has already had a positive impact on food businesses hygiene standards in Wales. More than 50% of food businesses in Wales have achieved a five rating, which means very good and the number of food businesses with a less than satisfactory rating are decreasing.
The proposed new regulations will mean that hard-copy publicity materials which promote food items advertised for sale to the consumer; which include a purchase price for the food items and include a method for remote ordering, will need to carry a bilingual statement referring consumers to the Food Standards Agency website where the food hygiene rating for that food business can be viewed.
It will also encourage consumers to ask the business for their food hygiene rating when they order food.
Professor Drakeford said:
“The food hygiene rating scheme has been a remarkable success, with more than 50% of food businesses in Wales having already achieved a rating of five. The requirement for businesses to display their food hygiene stickers is having the effect we wanted. I’m also delighted to see the numbers of food businesses with a lower rating decreasing. This is good for the people of Wales and for food businesses in Wales.
“However, I believe it is also important for consumers to be made more aware of the food hygiene rating website, particularly when they order food over the phone.
“The regulations we are proposing will require food businesses to display a simple bilingual statement, which will advise consumers where they can view the hygiene rating for that food business. It will also encourage them to inquire about the rating when they place an order over the phone.
“I don’t want to overly burden businesses with regulations and I would encourage interested parties to share their views about these proposals. I am committed to making this legislation workable for consumers, food businesses and enforcers alike.”
