Reading Celebrates Great Food Hygiene Standards

READING is a great place to eat out, according to the latest food hygiene stats.

With around 1,363 food businesses in Reading who serve food direct to the public, the good news for food lovers is that 93% are reaching hygiene rating of 3 to 5, with 888 establishments receiving a glowing 5 rating. Reading Council’s food and safety team give food businesses a Food Hygiene Rating Score (FHRS) of zero to 5 where zero requires urgent improvement and 5 signifies an excellent premises. People can quickly and easily check an establishment’s rating here http://ratings.food.gov.uk Customers can be safe in the knowledge that the Council inspects all food premises regularly. It also offers a bespoke food hygiene advice service where a business can obtain up to 2 hours of advice before it opens or has a rating inspection. Provided the advice is followed, the business is likely to get a higher rating. This January, the food safety team re-launched its food hygiene course. The course helps businesses understand food hygiene principles and the food laws relevant to running a successful food business. A local restaurant boasting a 5 rating that has benefited from the support of the Council’s food and safety team is Benny’s Burgers, based at 60 Oxford Road.

Benny’s Burgers owner, Mr Haroone Rashid said:

“The advice service visit was the best thing I ever did. The officers brought issues to our attention that I would never even have thought of. We followed their advice and when we were later inspected, we were awarded a 5 rating. I am so pleased I have recommended the service to my friend who is opening a shop at Cemetery Junction.”

Cllr Sarah Hacker, Reading’s Lead Member for Consumer Services, said:

“I’d like thank the Council’s food safety team for all their hard work in supporting local food businesses to drive up standards, and congratulate the local companies who are taking their food safety and hygiene so seriously. “We are fortunate to have such a wide range of cafés, restaurants and eateries in Reading. The last year alone has seen a flurry of fantastic new restaurants opening around the town. “We want to ensure business owners understand and comply with food hygiene law. The courses we offer are here to support them, and I’d like to encourage food professionals to attend.” Details of the courses or the bespoke food hygiene advice service can be found here: www.reading.gov.uk/foodbusiness For further questions please contact the Food & Safety team on 0118 937 2465, or email foodhygienecourses@reading.gov.uk

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