Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Food Safety Team has developed a new service to help food businesses boost their food hygiene rating.
Currently, following an inspection by a food safety officer, businesses are awarded a nationally recognised food hygiene rating which is published on the Food Standards Agency website.
Ratings are between 0 and 5, with 5 being the top score.
The business also receives a poster or card showing their rating which is often displayed at the premises, particularly if they have achieved a good score.
The new ‘GET 5’ service, which stands for Gaining Excellence Together, will help food businesses achieve and maintain a 5 rating. For a small charge, food safety officers will visit businesses to provide specific tailored advice during a two-hour coaching and follow-up session.
Businesses will be guided through key requirements, including food hygiene management systems, cleaning standards, cooking and cooling methods, how to deal with customer complaints and allergen advice. The service will be available to both new and established businesses.
The visit will also touch on general licensing advice and health and safety. Businesses will also be given a comprehensive pack of documents and other information. Officers will be available after the visit to answer follow up queries and ensure the business is on the right track to achieve the best rating.
Councillor Mark Henesy, Cabinet Member for Environment and Community, said: “I’m sure that setting up and running a food business can be daunting. There’s a lot to learn and manage to make sure a business complies with the law. The best food hygiene rating reassures the public that you take food safety seriously and having a high food hygiene rating is likely to increase footfall and increase profits.
“The food safety officers in our Regulatory Services Team work hard to keep the public safe through the national Food Hygiene Rating Scheme. I’m delighted that the ‘GET 5’ service has been developed to work closely with food businesses of any size in Cheshire West.”
Businesses will also get additional discounts on training and other advice packages.
To find out more about the ‘GET 5’ service visit the Council website and search for ‘GET 5’ or book a visit by calling 01244 973708 or emailing regulatoryservices@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk.
The ‘GET 5’ advice service is in addition to normal food inspections.
