ACS

ACS has expressed its disappointment with the decision by the Food Standards Agency Board to pursue a five ‘star’ (six tier) ‘Scores on the Doors’ food hygiene information scheme in England and Wales.

ACS Chief Executive James Lowman said: “The Board’s decision to pursue this complicated scheme will bring confusion and cost to thousands of convenience retailers.”

The Food Standards Agency made the decision to pursue a national scheme at its Board meeting on 10th December. The decision was taken in spite of officer recommendations based on a wide ranging consultation that the scheme should be simpler and based on a three ‘star’ (four tier) approach. They also rejected calls from ACS that businesses that are low risk such as convenience stores should be excluded from the scheme.

Mr Lowman continued: “What the FSA officials know is that a six tier rating system is excessive, and is likely to lead to inconsistency of enforcement and be confusing to the customers. The FSA Board has overruled their common sense.

“We believe that food hygiene ratings have little value for customers in convenience stores. Customers expect the premises to be safe and if it is not safe then existing interventions should be used and ultimately businesses can be closed down.

“Putting together takeaways, restaurants, cafes, delis, and convenience stores in the same uniform rating structure is a recipe for confusion.

“This scheme might also harm responsible businesses. In a six tier system, what appears to be low ratings of one or two ‘stars’ are not a risk to consumers. Furthermore with six different tiers the scope for inconsistent interpretations from one Environmental Health Officer to another multiplies inordinately. This scheme is ‘gold plating’ and poor regulation.”

The Board decision will now be followed by further policy work to define the details of the scheme.

Contacts:

Shane Brennan Public Affairs Director
01252 515001/ 07921 372 978

Nina Collins Communications Coordinator
01252 515001

Michael Saxton/ Grappa PR
Julie Kirby 020 7602 9222

Notes to Editors:

1. ACS (Association of Convenience Stores) is the voice of local shops, representing over 33,000 convenience stores. ACS helps local shops thrive through lobbying, support and networking opportunities.
2. For the FSA announcement click here.