Wales unveils 'scores on the door' Bill

By MICHAEL LANE

The Welsh Government has unveiled a Bill it hopes will usher in the UK’s first compulsory food hygiene rating scheme.

If approved, the Food Hygiene Rating (Wales) Bill will see restaurants, takeaways and retailers rated with a score between 0 and 5, with 0 meaning urgent improvement is necessary and a 5 indicating very good standards.

Ratings will be based on criteria including food handling standards (preparation, cooking and storage), condition of the premises and production procedures.

Businesses will be required to display their rating in a prominent position, such as at the entrance to their premises, or face a fine. 

The Bill, which could come into operation in late 2013 at the earliest, may also cover suppliers of food to other businesses.