Scores on the Doors Frequently Asked Questions
Q1 What is scores on the doors?
A It is a scheme which gives members of the public the opportunity to view the latest hygiene rating following a food safety inspection, the information will allow them to make an informed choice on where to eat.
Q2 Why are the Council introducing the scheme?
A The experience of other Councils already operating the scheme is that it motivates food businesses to raise hygiene standards, and it gives the public information (that they are legally entitled to) from an independent and credible source about local food outlets.
Q3 Is this a national scheme?
A No, not at present although there are almost 200 councils operating schemes in the UK at present, including several of our neighbours. The Food Standards Agency is very keen on the idea and is currently working towards developing a national scheme.
Q4 Will all food businesses be included in the scheme?
A No, not in the initial phase at least. There are about 900 food premises in North Hertfordshire and of these many pose only a low risk to food safety (grocers selling wrapped foods only, chemists, confectioners etc). The scheme will concentrate on those premises serving ready to eat, high risk foods i.e. restaurants, take-aways, cafes, schools, care homes and pubs serving open food.
Q5 How and when will businesses get a star rating?
A All food businesses are currently in the Council’s food inspection programme and as such are given a score against a number of criteria set out in the recognised Code of Practice made under the Food Safety Act 1990. The scores for confidence in management, hygiene standards and structural conditions have been used to establish an aggregate score that has been translated into a star rating for the business. Officers involved in this scheme have been trained in the use of the scoring system and have been using it for many years. The star rating will be issued on a certificate for display on the front door or front window of your premises. The display of the certificate will be voluntary, however, the scores awarded will also be posted on the Council’s website. It is anticipated that it takes 18 months to get round all of the businesses included in the scheme.
Q6 What does the star rating mean?
A A star rating of 0 will indicate that, although the food produced is safe to eat, there are significant food safety issues that the business needs to address. A star rating of 5 will confirm that excellent standards of food hygiene were demonstrated at the time of inspection.
Q7 Who decides on what star rating to give?
A The Officer carrying out the inspection in consultation with a second Officer.
Q8 Can the star rating be changed?
A Yes, but only at the time of a routine programmed inspection or if the business changes ownership.
Q9 When will the star rating be changed?
A Immediately after a routine programmed inspection, which can be at a frequency anytime between 6 and 18 months.
Q10 Do businesses have to display the star rating certificate?
A No. Displaying the certificate is voluntary, but when it is displayed it must be inside and in a prominent position, visible from the outside where it can be viewed by the public. The Council will be publishing the scores on its website.
Q11 What if a business disagrees with the star rating given?
A A business that feels that it has not been treated fairly will be advised to follow the Council’s 3C’s complaints procedure and the matter will be investigated. If a business feels that conditions have improved since the inspection it will have the right to post comments on the Council’s website provided that, in the Officer’s opinion, they are accurate.
Q12 How can I find out what star rating has been given to a business?
A The star rating may be on display at the premises, or you can ask the business directly. The Council will be making the information available on it’s website which will be updated monthly.
Q13 What if a business is not displaying it’s star rating?
A There may be a perfectly good reason for this. The business may be awaiting an inspection, or may not have received its certificate. Alternatively the business may have its own reasons for not displaying a certificate (remember, they are not obliged to put it on display).
Q 14 Who do I contact if I want more information or advice about the scheme?
A You can phone the Commercial Team on 01462 474000 or email to env.health@north-herts.gov.uk 
