More than half of food businesses in Wales have been awarded the highest ratings for their food hygiene standards, a year after the UK's first statutory scheme came into force in Wales, Deputy Health Minister Vaughan Gething has announced.
A new Food Standards Agency (FSA) report about the scheme's first year of operation after legislation was passed in Wales to make it compulsory for businesses to display their ratings, shows the statutory scheme has played a major role in improving food hygiene standards and increasing consumer awareness across Wales.
Figures in the report show that 56% of food businesses achieved a five – a very good rating – in the year to November 2014. There has been a 11% increase of five-rated premises in Wales since mandatory display of food hygiene ratings was first introduced in November 2013 (up from 45%).
The percentage of food businesses receiving ratings, which mean improvement is required, fell by 7% between November 2013 and November 2014, from around 14% to 7%. The number of businesses with the lowest rating – a zero – has fallen from 0.6% to 0.3%.
The non-statutory food hygiene ratings scheme was introduced in 2010; however businesses did not have to display their ratings. The Food Hygiene Rating (Wales) Act 2013 made it compulsory for all food businesses to publicly display their food hygiene rating on their premises, following inspections, from November 2013.
The FSA's report found that the requirement to display the rating has had a major motivation in encouraging businesses to improve their food hygiene standards.
Mr Gething said:
“Wales has led the way in the UK by introducing a statutory food hygiene rating system. I am pleased that the scheme – the first of its kind in the UK – has been so successful in the first 12 months of operation.
“The FSA report confirms that food hygiene standards have continued to improve at food establishments in Wales, and that mandatory display of the ratings has played an important part in this. It also shows the scheme has provided important information for consumers when deciding where to eat out or buy food. This shows that the statutory scheme is having the desired effect.
“This is a really good example of regulators working together with food businesses in support of a common agenda.
“While it is disappointing that some businesses with low ratings have failed to display their rating stickers, I am reassured that local authorities are tackling this and will continue to do so.
“The FSA have made a number of recommendations and I look forward to receiving further update reports on the operation of the scheme.”
Nina Purcell, Director of the FSA in Wales said:
“The report focusses on food business compliance with food hygiene law since the introduction of the statutory scheme.
“It has been a motivating factor in raising food hygiene standards which in turn benefits consumers Local authorities are to be commended for their role and commitment in delivering the scheme.”
