Scores on the Doors Puts Knowledge in the Hands of Local Restaurant-Goers

This week I signed the document to confirm the launch of the 'Scores on the Doors' food outlet rating scheme in Bedford Borough. Scores on the Doors is a scheme set up by the Food Standards Agency (FSA), involving the publication of a food hygiene rating for restaurants and other food outlets in a local authority area. All inspection gradings and further information is made available online, allowing restaurant-going local residents to make an informed choice about where to go when eating out.

This scheme puts real power in the hands of consumers. The transparency and peace of mind that the availability of food hygiene ratings will bring will also, I hope, encourage more and more people to eat out at restaurants and other food businesses across Bedford Borough.

The scheme essentially applies to any trader preparing and selling food to the public, with all outlets being given their 'scores on the doors' mark out of five when they are subject to a food hygiene inspection. It will take a while to become established, as the Council works through its inspections of the range of premises we have in the Borough, but with all outlets entitled to quite literally advertise their 'score on the door,' it will be fascinating to see if this becomes a common feature in restaurant doors and windows around the Borough. No doubt some restaurants will be rather keener than others to display their rating!