Wells Introduces New Food Hygiene Rating Bill

Northern Ireland's Health Minister Food Hygiene Rating Bill to the Assembly.

If passed, the bill will make it compulsory for Northern Ireland food businesses to display their hygiene ratings under the 'Food Hygiene Rating Scheme' (FHRS).

The current scheme, which has been operating in Northern Ireland since 2011, is only voluntary.

Under the new proposals, businesses such as restaurants, takeaways and supermarkets would be required to prominently display their food hygiene ratings on the premises.

Speaking in the Assembly yesterday, Health Minister Jim Wells said: "Good food hygiene is essential for the protection of public health. I anticipate that The Food Hygiene Rating Bill will help improve food hygiene standards in eateries across Northern Ireland and introduce a simple but effective way of helping consumers to make better choices ‘at a glance’ when buying food."

Michael Jackson, Head of Local Authority Policy & Delivery, Food Standards Agency in Northern Ireland said: "Our research shows that consumers make decisions about where to eat quickly, and they tell us that the best way to influence them is to be able to see the FHRS rating on the premises before they go in or make a decision about eating there. We also know that only 40% of businesses currently display their rating where it can be viewed from outside. Our view is that if the bill makes it compulsory for food businesses to display their ratings, then it will allow consumers to make better choices and will also encourage food businesses to comply with hygiene requirements."

The Health Department said the current green and black FHRS sticker, with ratings numbered 0 to 5, is now recognised by 83% of consumers across Northern Ireland.

Ratings are based on a number of criteria including how hygienically food is prepared, cooked, cooled and stored; the condition and cleanliness of the premises and the procedures in place to ensure the production of safe food.

Under the bill, food businesses would be required to give their rating verbally if asked and it would be an offence not to do so.

The new legislation also proposes the introduction of fixed penalty notices for offences such as the non-display of ratings, including powers to prosecute with a proposed maximum fine of £1,000.

(IT/MH)