The number of food premises that have scored five stars has doubled since the scores-on-the-doors website was launched last summer.
Bradford Council is co-ordinating the website which not only lists all the restaurants and takeaways inspected by Environmental Health, but also places like schools which cook food on site or sell ready-to-eat food. People can also use a text service if they do not have access to a computer.
The scheme, which was launched in June, uses a West Yorkshire wide star-rating system based on inspections that have been carried out throughout the region with five stars being the top score (excellent) and no stars (very poor) the worst.
Bradford Council's Environmental Health Manager David Clapham said the website had proved hugely popular with nearly half a million hits since it was launched.
Currently 322 premises have five stars, 589 have four stars, 492 have three stars, 183 have two stars and 162 have one star. There are 60 premises with a zero score.
Coun Anne Hawkesworth, Executive Member for Environment & Culture, said: "I'm pleased to say that seventy per cent of all Council facilities have got five stars. They are mostly schools but also include the restaurant in City Hall and the restaurant at St George's Hall. I am pleased we are setting a good example."
Coun Hawkesworth says that people should look out for the certificates that are now being sent out by Environmental Health. Businesses are being encouraged to display them at the entrance to their premises. It says how many stars the premises has, which is a good indication of the hygiene.
The website is also useful for those thinking about booking for their wedding receptions or big parties. They can easily check out how many stars the venue or the caterer has.
To score highly, food premises have to maintain good standards, keep the premises clean and know how to produce safe food all the time.
Low scoring businesses have been working with officers to improve their hygiene and their star rating.
The website is www.scoresonthedoors.org.uk
Officer/Contact
David Clapham
Environmental Health Manager
Telephone: 01274 434381
Media Relations Officer
Jane Lewis
Telephone: 01274 433526
Fax: 01274 432005
Email: press.communications@bradford.gov.uk
Date: 7.01.08
