Food businesses across the UK are inspected by officers from the local Council.  Following the inspection, each business is scored according to the standards found such as cleanliness.  Many Councils are now publishing the results of their inspections, often referred to as ‘Scores on the Doors’.

 

Why publish ‘Scores on the Doors’?

 

So consumers can make informed choices about where they choose to eat.  If consumers are choosing where to eat based on standards found, food business operators will be keen to improve their score.

 

Who is participating in the ‘Scores on the Doors’ scheme?

 

Nationally, over 150 Councils are participating in different schemes

 

In Essex, Basildon, Colchester and Southend-on-Sea Councils are currently publishing their results.  Maldon Council along with Braintree, Harlow and Thurrock are planning to launch their ‘Scores on the Doors’ in June 2008. 

 

Where can I find ‘Scores on the Doors’?

 

Various schemes exist, however, Maldon Council along with the other Essex authorities will be using the following website which gives details of how businesses both locally and nationally have scored:

 

Maldon District Scores on the Doors

  

Businesses are rated from 0 to 5 stars, 5 stars being excellent and no stars being very poor.  So, from June 2008, if you want to check out your local take-away or restaurant, just click onto the website and see.  

 

Can food business operators query their score?

 

Maldon Council will be writing to all their caterers to advise them of their individual scores and how the scheme works before publication.  Every effort will be made to ensure the accuracy of the data that is published, however, there will be a formal ‘right to reply’ which food business operators can use.

 

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