Regulators in Wales propose new food hygiene rating rules for takeaways
Under proposed new regulations, promotional materials which list food with a price and method for remote ordering - such as takeaway menus and leaflets - would have to include the statement: "Go to food.gov.uk/ratings to find out the food hygiene rating of this business or ask them to tell you their rating."
Food business which failed to display the correct statement in a “prominent” place would face fines of up to £200.
The legislation would not apply to eat-in menus used in restaurants, hospitals and care homes.
The proposals are currently under public consultation, but could come into force in February 2015.
Food hygiene ratings in Wales
Restaurants and takeaways in Wales have been forced to display their food hygiene rating on a window sticker since November 2013.
Health minister Mark Drakeford claimed the scheme has been “a remarkable success”, with more than 50 per cent of food businesses in Wales achieving a rating of five.
“However, I believe it is also important for consumers to be made more aware of the food hygiene rating website, particularly when they order food over the phone,” he said.
Calling for responses to the consultation, Drakeford said he did not want to want to ‘overly’ burden businesses with regulations.
“I am committed to making this legislation workable for consumers, food businesses and enforcers alike,” he said.
The option of forcing businesses to print their actual hygiene rating on promotional materials was rejected over concerns it would create a “disproportionate administrative and cost burden on these businesses” because materials would have to be re-printed every time a business was re-inspected.
