Outlets targeted in hygiene campaign

Food outlets in Powys are being urged to attend a series of drop-in sessions in preparation for an initiative that will provide consumers at-a-glance information about hygiene standards.

 

Powys County Council is to adopt the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme and roll it out from April 1. The aim of the scheme is to help consumers make informed choices about where to eat or shop for food.

 

The national scheme, developed by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) in partnership with local authorities in England, Northern Ireland and Wales, provides information on food hygiene standards to help people to choose where to eat out or shop for food.

 

In preparation for the introduction of the scheme, the council's Environmental Health Team is holding a series of sessions where business operators and members of the public are invited to drop in and discuss the scheme with officers.

 

 

Monday 7 March - Neuadd Maldwyn reception area, Welshpool, 10am to 1pm

 

Thursday 10 March - Newtown Library, 1pm to 4pm

 

Food outlets will receive a letter over the coming weeks explaining more about the scheme and about the drop-in sessions.

 

Steve Clinton, the council's Public Protection Manager, said: "The primary purpose of the scheme is to allow consumers to make informed choices about the places in which they eat out and from which they purchase food, and, through this, to encourage businesses to improve hygiene standards.

 

"These drop-in sessions will give food outlets an opportunity to ask our officers about the scheme and any other food safety questions that they may have. I urge food outlets to attend these valuable drop-in sessions."

 

If food outlets are unable to make any of the sessions and would like to discuss the scheme further then call 0845 602 7037 and ask to speak to one of the council's food safety officers.

 

For more information on the scheme visit www.food.gov.uk/ratings