Hygiene website gives diners food for thought

A WEBSITE giving the lowdown on the hygiene standards of Derbyshire and Staffordshire food businesses has just been re-launched.

For the last six years, www.ratemyplace.org.uk has been telling hungry diners all they need to know about the cleanliness of kitchens in cafes, restaurants, pubs and supermarkets.

Star ratings for good practice have been awarded by the environmental health teams of participating local authorities including High Peak Borough Council, which joined the scheme two years ago.

But partner councils have now redesigned the website to tie in with the Food Standards Agency’s national food hygiene rating scheme. In other words, the findings of food safety inspectors are now expressed as a rating of between 0 and 5, with 5 being very good.

Anthony McKeown, executive councillor for community services at High Peak, said: “We know that visitors to local cafes, restaurants and bars like to see the reports of what our food inspectors have found on their visits.

“Over the last couple of years, we’ve seen a significant improvement in hygiene as our food inspectors continue to drive up standards with our local businesses.

“I’ve no doubt that the new-look website, launched this month, will carry on promoting the highest food preparation standards while giving customers peace of mind about where they eat”, he foresaw.

The website also helps food businesses as it gives customers maps and directions as well as describing the type of food served.

Most High Peak food businesses will have received an updated certificate and window sticker based on their last inspection. However, a minority of businesses with an inspection pending will receive an updated certificate once inspectors have visited.

Rate My Place is a partnership of Staffordshire’s district councils and High Peak Borough Council, in Derbyshire. High Peak has a strategic alliance with Staffordshire Moorlands.