Torbay Gets High Fives For Food Hygiene

Almost 200 food outlets in Torbay have been given a top food hygiene rating of 5, thanks to the national Food Hygiene Rating Scheme.

The scheme was introduced by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) and is administrated by Torbay Council's Food and Safety Team through regular inspections of the local food businesses. 

Through advice and assistance Torbay Council is helping drive up food hygiene standards in local businesses.

When the businesses are inspected an environmental health officer will look at how well the business is meeting the food hygiene law. Any business is eligible and should be able to achieve the top rating of 5.

Each business is given a window sticker and a certificate which they are encouraged to display in their window, encouraging customers to recognise their standards and choose their food.

The scheme is fairly new and not all food businesses in Torbay have been rated yet. Out of the ones that have, 189 premises have a rating of 5, 111 have a rating of 4, 71 have a 3, 24 have a 2, 83 have a 1 and 6 have a rating of 0.

All of the ratings are available on the FSA website at www.food.gov.uk/ratings

Torbay Council's Food and Safety Team is hosting an event to celebrate the local food businesses that have achieved the top rating of 5. Representatives of 50 local businesses have been invited to the event at Living Coasts, Torquay, on Tuesday June 26.