Planning the perfect date can be stressful as there’s a lot to worry about, including, of course, whether you will get on and if you will make a good impression.
So, the last thing you want to think about before an important dinner is whether or not the place you choose takes food hygiene seriously. The Food Hygiene Rating Scheme takes care of that worry for you.
Croydon Council’s food safety team is urging diners to look before they book, and check the food hygiene rating before deciding where to go on that special date.
The truth is, a restaurant’s hygiene standards cannot be judged by how clean and tidy the staff look or by how romantic the décor and ambience are.
It’s the things that can’t be seen – like germs spread by bad hygiene practices – that need to be considered. An easy way to get the necessary reassurance is by checking the food hygiene rating. This indicates the hygiene standards in restaurants and other food businesses.
It’s really simple to check. Just go online to the Food Standard Agency’s website at www.food.gov.uk/ratings or look for the green and black sticker that might be displayed in the window; if one can’t be seen, just ask the staff.
The ratings in Croydon eateries are determined by the council’s food safety officers and range from 0 to 5, with a 5 rating meaning very good food hygiene standards.
Croydon Council strongly recommends choosing one of the hundreds of borough eateries that have earned a hygiene rating of 3 or more, meaning easy avoidance of a special date in one of the places not meeting the grade.
“When planning your special meal out, make sure you check the hygiene ratings online and choose a restaurant that takes food hygiene seriously.
“This is also an important time for local food businesses as a good food hygiene rating is something to be proud of. It matters to customers so we are encouraging all Croydon’s food businesses to display their rating.”
Councillor Mark Watson, cabinet member for safety and justice
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For more information, visit www.food.gov.uk/business-industry/caterers/hygieneratings
