D&G Council launch Food Hygiene Scheme In Stranraer and Portpatrick

The Food Hygiene Information Scheme is a two-tier system of statutory inspection by Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Food Safety Team, which issues a certificate recording either a ‘pass’ or ‘improvement required’.  It is not compulsory to display the certificate but the result of all inspections will be publicly available via Food Standards Scotland.

The scheme, endorsed by Food Standards Scotland, will give lovers of good quality fare information about how well local food retailers and caterers are performing. This should help customers make more informed choices about where to eat or buy food.

The Ryan Centre, which is just one of the businesses involved in the scheme, are keen to help highlight the initiative, as well as the importance of food hygiene as a key responsibility for everyone in the food industry. They were already awarded an Eatsafe award in November 2015.

On hearing the Café was receiving the Pass certificate Beverly Mercer, Principal Officer Facilities West said “People want to know how hygienic their favourite restaurant, takeaway or shop is. This new scheme will help make the eating experience better for everyone.”

The aim of the scheme is to enable consumers to make informed choices about which businesses they want to support, and to increase hygiene standards by publicising those businesses adopting the scheme.

Councillor Colin Smyth, Chairman of Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Economy, Environment and Infrastructure Committee added: “We have had an encouraging response from local businesses who recognise the value of the scheme in terms of customer confidence. By participating in this scheme, the Council will be able to offer consumers easy access to the information they need to make informed choices and enjoy eating out in Dumfries and Galloway.”

·         Inspection results for businesses in all Scottish local authorities participating in the FHIS can be found at https://ratings.food.gov.uk/

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