This page contains a Flash digital edition of a book.
8 CRAFTBUTCHER l OCTOBER 2017


FOOD HYGIENE RATING SCHEME – MORE THAN A STICKER IN THE


WINDOW by Paul Hobbs, Principal EHO at Horsham District Council


FOOD HYGIENE


allows valuable resources to be better targeted to deal with those businesses that act irresponsibly and blatantly flaunt the law. Te FSA value the role that


the Primary Authority (PA) scheme provides to ensure that businesses are meeting compliance with regulatory standards. ‘Regulating Our Future’ also plans further enhancement of Primary Authority. Te National Federation of Meat and Food Traders undertook some recent research that demonstrated that the majority of its members in PA have a FHRS of 4 or above. Primary Authority


IT’S not oſten you get an Environmental Health Officer as a guest on BBC breakfast time TV. Tony Lewis, head of policy at the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health, made an appearance recently calling for the mandatory display of food hygiene rating scheme (FHRS) scores in England. Display of the FHRS became mandatory in Wales in 2013 and in Northern Ireland last year. Calling for a ‘level playing


field’, both between England and the devolved nations, Mr Lewis told the programme that the present situation is unsatisfactory. He said: ‘We know that the scores incentivise businesses to improve their performance and that they are liked and relied upon by the public. It’s wholly inconsistent that the same system does not apply across the whole country’. Mr Lewis has a point,


a survey carried out by consumer organization Which? in 2013 found that 95 per cent of people thought that hygiene ratings should be clearly displayed on food businesses’ windows or doors. Because the display of FHRS is voluntary, food


businesses, with poor ratings do not always put the sticker in the window. Tere is clear evidence that customers think twice about shopping at businesses where the FHRS is poor or where there is no sticker on display. A Which spokesperson


said: ‘Te scheme has the potential to raise levels of compliance across business but while display remains voluntary for food businesses, it will be largely the better performers that display this information, rather than those that present the greatest risk to consumers. It is not only the consumer


that values the FHRS. Te Food Standards Agency (FSA) is looking to change the way they regulate the food industry. Tey believe the current approach is outdated and becoming increasingly unsustainable and so has developed a blueprint for a new approach by 2020. ‘Regulating Our Future’ is


the FSA vision for the future of food safety regulation. Tis vision brings the Agency into line with current Central Government policy to reduce red tape and give recognition to businesses doing the right thing for consumers. Tis


complements FHRS because if you are following the Premier Advice assured by Horsham District Council, there is every chance that you will be awarded a good score. Perhaps the most


controversial element of the new FSA vision includes the potential for using the private sector to regulate businesses. Te plan is to use Certified Regulatory Auditors (CRA) certified as meeting competency standards set


THIS is an entry-level training workbook produced for the


Federation by Paul Hobbs from Horsham District Council, John Taylor MBE and NFMFT Technical Manager Richard Stevenson. Taylor Made is a tribute


to John Taylor MBE F Inst M. His lifelong dedication to the meat industry, service to the NFMFT and commitment to training are an inspiration to all young butchers everywhere. Te workbook, which


provides a permanent record of training is available for


by the FSA. Businesses will only be eligible for regulation by the CRA once the local authority is satisfied that the business is consistently compliant. Clearly a business with a poor FHRs is never going to be passed over to the CRA. Te CRA will not be the same enforcement power as the local authority regulator and they are likely to have a more proportionate and advisory role. Tey will be instructed to have due regard to Primary Authority advice and act in accordance with the statutory PA principles. Te FSA blueprint places


great emphasis on mandatory display of FHRS. Tey see this as not only a means of installing consumer confidence in their brave new world, but it is also very likely that the score on the sticker will determine how and by whom you will be regulated in the future. If you are not already in


Primary Authority why not take a look at the Premier Advice on the NFMFT website? It’s easy to join and there are lots of free resources available. n


members to download on the website. Te book is free to download (optional certificate for £7.50). Alternatively, you can purchase a bound hard copy for £25 including VAT and certificate. Call 01892 541412 or email: info@nfmſt.co.uk Please note that although


the workbook course and certificate is not accredited it is still a valuable tool for induction training, first time food handlers, temporary or young staff etc. It will also probably be


suitable in many cases where basic food hygiene level 2 is required but please call Richard on 01892 541412 to discuss if you are not sure. n


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