Leeds City Council operates a system that allows customers and consumers to see a food hygiene rating for certain types of catering business and for retailers handling or preparing open high-risk foods, for example restaurants, takeaways, hotels, bed-and-breakfast, pubs, cafes, staff canteens, care homes, sandwich shops, some butchers and delicatessen.
From April 2012 the rating system has been using the Food Standard Agency’s national Food Hygiene Rating Scheme. The council had previously used the “Scores on the Doors” scheme, although this operated in much the same way.
The rating each business receives is based on a food hygiene inspection carried out by the local authority. Certain premises are not included within the scheme due to the low risk level of food sold and prepared or the nature of the business. These businesses will not receive a hygiene rating.
Our Food and Health Service carries out food hygiene inspections of food businesses within its area in accordance with an annual service plan. Following a food hygiene inspection, we award food businesses covered by the scheme a score on how well they performed in terms of
- food hygiene and procedures
- structural conditions and cleanliness
- confidence in management
The results are used to produce a rating ranging from 5 for very good to 0 for urgent improvement necessary.
Although it is voluntary for food businesses to display the award it gives you an indication of overall food safety and hygiene standards. The aim of the scheme is to improve food safety and hygiene standards among businesses which provide food and drink to customers living, working or visiting the region. This will benefit customers, businesses and the local economy by driving up standards and making businesses in the region safer places to eat and drink.
The scheme gives you information to help you to make an informed choice about where to eat. It provides positive encouragement for businesses to improve their standards of food hygiene and promotes transparency and consistency in food hygiene inspections.
An up to date list of premises in Leeds that have a rating is available at the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme website. Follow the link on this page for more information or to check the rating of your favourite restaurant.
Please be aware:
The score is only a reflection of conditions found on the day of inspection. Food and safety hygiene standards may have gone up or down since that time.
Business Handbook
Leeds City Council has developed a free booklet addressing health and safety at work and food hygiene issues for businesses in Leeds.
If you would like to request a copy of the booklet please complete your details on the attached form and email it back to env.health@leeds.gov.uk or telephone 0113 247 7791