How to achieve the perfect food hygiene score

First introduced in 2010, the Food Standard Agency’s hygiene rating was created to give consumers greater insight into the hygiene, cleanliness and food safety practices of the nation’s food outlets. Since its launch, over 440,000 establishments have chosen to have their premises inspected by FSA officers, and now display their hygiene score proudly on their door.

Despite the growing popularity of the FSA’s hygiene rating, however, some food vendors remain reluctant to have their premises reviewed and scrutinised by the FSA — due in part to the fear-factor of allowing an Environmental Health Officer a closer look at the inner workings of their business.

Omitting your food business from the FSA’s hygiene inspection process could prove a costly mistake, however. According to Food.gov, 76% of consumers now recognise the distinct branding of the FHRS sign, and will actively seek out the FSA’s food hygiene score before choosing a place to eat. If your business has chosen not to partake in the scheme, you could be losing valuable custom by not displaying your rating for all to see.

To help ease the worry of those reluctant to sign up for the FHRS scheme, food safety experts, Shieldyourself, have created a useful step-by-step guide on how to nail the process. From tips on handling equipment to advice on how to organise your food management system, this handy graphic contains lots of facts and information that will help your business achieve a perfect hygiene score.