A proposed law which would see food businesses rated for their level of hygiene has moved a step closer after a debate in the Senedd this week.
The Food Hygiene Rating (Wales) Bill would see the current voluntary rating scheme, operated by local authorities and the Food Standards Agency, become mandatory.
The introduction of such a food hygiene rating scheme is a commitment in the Welsh Government’s ‘Programme for Government’ and would be the UK’s first compulsory scheme.
Health Minister Lesley Griffiths said: “This Bill will empower consumers and drive up food hygiene standards in individual businesses. The Food Standards Agency and local authorities currently run the food hygiene rating scheme on a voluntary basis and over 20,000 businesses in Wales have so far received a rating.
“This Bill will require food businesses to display their rating in a prominent position, such as at the entrance to their premises, or face a fine.”
Under the scheme, businesses will be rated with a score between 0 and 5 – with 0 meaning urgent improvement is necessary and a 5 rating meaning hygiene standards are very good.
The rating will be based on criteria including food handling standards – such as how the food is prepared, cooked, cooled and stored, the condition of the premises and the procedures in place to ensure the production of safe food.
Following consultation on the proposals earlier this year, the Bill includes provisions to include businesses that supply food to other businesses.