1. I run a food business that will receive a star rating. How can I improve my score so that I get as many stars as possible?
To achieve three Swindon Stars you must comply with all the food hygiene requirements. To achieve four or more stars you will need to be able to demonstrate that you are operating above the expected level, i.e. be able to demonstrate ‘best practice’.
2. I don’t want to participate. Can I opt out or are there any exemptions?
All catering businesses will be included in the scheme as it is based on routine hygiene inspections. The score will reflect the rating you get based on the circumstances found during the last inspection. There is no ‘opt out’.
Nevertheless, premises with an overall risk rating of 'E' (very low) will be exempt.
3. How will the 'Scores on Doors' scheme benefit my business?
If you achieve a good rating , we recommend that you display the award in a prominent place so that your customers can see it. Your star rating can also be used when advertising. A high score will help to build your business.
4. Will this scheme cost me anything?
No. The only cost is that of putting good hygiene practices in place.
5. You have scored my business as a '5' for confidence in management. I disagree as I manage my business very well and should get at least a 20. Why have I got such a low score?
The best score is a '0'. The worst score is a '20', so '5' is good.
For details of how the scoring works, please see: Legal Matters.
6. If I get a poor rating and I don’t agree with it, can I challenge it?
If you feel you have been unfairly rated and wish to complain, there is an appeal process. Please see Appeals.
Your star rating is based on conditions found at the time of the visit. Any improvement after that will have no effect on your star rating. You cannot appeal your star rating on the basis of those later works.
Your star rating will only be reviewed and amended at the next unannounced inspection.
If you feel that the conditions existing at the time of the inspection should have warranted a higher star rating, you may appeal.
If you have a very poor score, it is likely that your next programmed inspection will be due in either 6 or 12 months' time.
7. I am new here and have taken over a business that had a very poor rating. Will the previous history affect me?
No. When notified of a new proprietor we aim to visit soon after trading starts. A new rating would then apply. This is one reason why it is important to inform us as soon as possible before you intend to take over an existing business.
Have you registered with us as a new proprietor? Businesses are legally required to register 28 days prior to commencement of trading. You can register online. Please see: Food Safety for details.
8. My business has no rating attached to it on your website. Why is that?
The rating scheme only started in April 2007. If you have not been inspected since, you will not be on the website. If you have been inspected since this date but still do not have a rating please Contact the Safety and Food Team.
9. Some businesses that are on your website are not displaying their scores. Are they allowed no to?
Yes. At present we have no powers to make businesses display their 'Scores on Doors' certificate, but this will probably change when a national scheme is launched.
Accessibility Guideline Notes
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