Resources for local authorities joining the national scheme for England, Wales and Northern Ireland
The Agency has produced a range of guidance and materials to assist local authorities operating the national food hygiene rating scheme.
If you are a local authority interested in joining the national scheme, or would like to find out more about it, we would encourage you to contact the Food Hygiene Ratings team by emailing hygieneratings@foodstandards.gsi.gov.uk
Related links
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Branding for the national Food Hygiene Rating Scheme
The branding for the scheme has been agreed, which reflects the findings of independent research with consumers.
Data standard for use with the national database
The 'data standard' refers to the information that is required from local authorities for use with the national database for displaying ratings.
Food Hygiene Rating Scheme Communications Toolkit
The Food Standards Agency has produced a toolkit to provide communications advice to local authorities to that are planning on rolling out the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme. It contains information on key messages, ideas for communicating with business and consumers, template press releases and details of where to go for further information.
Guidance on safeguards and standard forms for businesses
In order to ensure that the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme is fair to businesses, it has been designed to include a number of safeguards. These are an appeal procedure, a 'right to reply' and an opportunity to request a re-visit when improvements have been made.
Guidance on the national Food Hygiene Rating Scheme – the 'Brand Standard'
Consolidated guidance on all aspects of the scheme has been endorsed by the Food Hygiene Ratings Steering Group. This brings together all the previous guidance issued in draft. The guidance is in question and answer format. It covers all aspects of implementation and operation of the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme.
Resources for telling consumers, businesses and council members about the national scheme
The Agency has produced template letters and leaflets that local authorities can use to tell consumers and food business operators that the national Food Hygiene Rating Scheme for England, Wales and Northern Ireland will be adopted in their area. Briefing information for elected council members is also available. There are also web banners for inclusion on your own or others websites.