At a time of year when year when a large number of people are planning to eat out, following Santes Dwynwen’s Day and with Valentine’s Day just around the corner, Gwynedd council are urging diners to remember to check the Food Hygiene Rating before they book.
The Food Hygiene Rating Scheme rates food businesses on their hygiene standards, based on inspections carried out by Gwynedd Council. Businesses in the area are rated on a scale ranging from 0 which means ‘urgent improvement necessary’ to a top rating of 5 which is ‘very good’.
Whether you’re going for a grand gesture and reserving a table somewhere special, or planning on ordering a takeaway for a romantic meal in, make sure you know the hygiene rating first.
The green and black food hygiene rating stickers are displayed on windows and doors. If you can’t find the sticker, then ask a member of staff or check online at www.food.gov.uk/ratings. If a sticker isn’t displayed you can report this to the local authority.
Takeaways must also provide information about their food hygiene rating on their flyers and menus.
Councillor Dafydd Meurig, Gwynedd Council Cabinet Member who leads on Public Protection matters said: “This is a busy time for our local restaurants, takeaways, cafes and pubs. The Food Hygiene Rating Scheme makes it easier for everyone to choose their romantic meal in places where food hygiene is taken seriously. A good food hygiene rating is something to be proud of.”
Richard Bowen, Interim Director of the Food Standards Agency in Wales, added: “You can’t tell a restaurant’s hygiene standards by its website or by how romantic the ambience is. But the Food Hygiene Rating tells you what’s going on behind the scenes, so you should factor that in when deciding where to eat.”
Make sure you’ve thought of every detail, including checking the hygiene rating so that your romantic meal doesn’t ruin your evening. Details are available here: www.food.gov.uk/ratings
