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In addition to this formal risk rating, the 14 Local Authorities in Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire have devised a 'scores on the doors' scheme. The aims of the scheme are to drive up food businesses compliance with the law, as well as better inform the public about the standard of food businesses in Watford.   Currently the Food Standards Agency is working on a national scheme that will be rolled out across the country.

The star ratings of businesses in Watford are shown on a regional website that also includes the ratings of businesses in some other local authority areas, go to http://www.foodscores.co.uk/ 

If you experience difficulty in using this link and want to know the score of a particular business please use the email address at the bottom of the page or call us on 01923 278416.

The star rating is based on three of the risk rating parameters as follows:

1. Level of current compliance with the hygiene requirements of the law. Typically, the following issues would influence this score:

• Temperature control
• Absence of cross contamination between raw and ready-to-eat foods
• Level of training
• Personal hygiene

2. Level of current compliance with the structural requirements of the law. Typically, the following issues would influence this score:

• Drainage
• Ventilation
• Pest control
• Cleanliness
• Waste disposal

3. Confidence in Management/ Control Systems. Typically, the following issues would influence this score:

• The attitude and knowledge of the present management towards hygiene and food safety
• The hygiene and food safety technical knowledge available to the company
• The extent and implementation of a documented Food Safety Management System

Scoring these 3 parameters allows a star rating from zero to 5 to be awarded as follows:

• 5 Excellent Hygiene, highly confident in management
• 4 Very Good
• 3 Good
• 2 Satisfactory
• 1 Fair.  Some non-compliance with food-legislation. Some confidence in management. More effort required to prevent fall in standards
• 0 Poor hygiene, follow up action likely