Food businesses across Armagh and the wider Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough are being highlighted as ABC Council marks ten years of mandatory Food Hygiene Ratings in Northern Ireland.
The council is joining the Food Standards Agency in celebrating the anniversary of the scheme, which was introduced in October 2016. Since then, food businesses across cities, towns and villages have been legally required to display their Food Hygiene Rating sticker prominently at their premises.
The scheme is intended to help residents and visitors make informed choices about where they eat out or buy food. Customers can look for the familiar green and black sticker when choosing a food business, or check ratings online through the Food Standards Agency’s website at ratings.food.gov.uk.
What the ratings show
Food Hygiene Ratings provide information about the food hygiene standards found at a business at the time it was inspected. The highest possible rating is 5, described as “Very Good”.
The Food Hygiene Rating Scheme is delivered locally by district councils in partnership with the Food Standards Agency. Environmental Health Officers carry out inspections, determine the ratings and work with businesses to support continued compliance with food hygiene legislation.
That work covers a wide range of food businesses throughout the year. Officers provide advice and support while also ensuring that businesses meet the requirements of food hygiene law.
Council recognises local businesses and inspectors
Lord Mayor of ABC Borough, Cllr Mary O’Dowd, said the scheme had become an important way for residents and visitors to make decisions about where they eat and purchase food.
“The Food Hygiene Rating Scheme has become an important part of helping residents and visitors make informed choices about where they eat and buy food.”
She also said the anniversary was an opportunity to recognise the commitment of businesses across the borough and thank those involved in the scheme. According to the council, its Environmental Health Officers have worked with local food businesses over the past ten years to help maintain food hygiene standards and protect public health.
Paula O’Neill, Environmental Health Manager at ABC Council, said ratings give consumers useful information about the hygiene standards identified during an inspection.
“Our officers inspect a wide range of food businesses throughout the year, providing advice and support while ensuring food hygiene legislation is met.”
As part of the anniversary campaign, ABC Council said it will share information about the scheme, celebrate the contribution of local food businesses and recognise the role of Environmental Health Officers in delivering it locally.
The council’s food safety information is available at armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk/business/food-safety/.