Safety first when dining out

WARRINGTON’S food safety officers have issued a warning to anyone booking
meals out in the run-up to Christmas: please check the restaurant’s Food Hygiene Rating first.
The borough council runs inspections of all the town’s food businesses, and rates them according to their hygiene standards. The results are published online under the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme.
Businesses are rated on a scale ranging from zero which means “urgent improvement necessary” to a top rating of five which is “very good”. Food safety officers recommend
that diners choose an eatery with a rating of three or more.
In Warrington there are 255 listed restaurants, cafes and canteens, of which 243 are rated three or better.
There are 216 listed pubs, bars and nightclubs serving food and/or catering for functions, of which 205 are rated three or better.
And there are 22 listed hotels and guest houses, of which 21 are rated three or better.
The council’s lead member for environment and public protection, Cllr David Keane (pictured), said: “While Warrington has one of the highest levels of safe food premises in the country, the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme is useful when you’re choosing where to eat out, because it tells you what’s going in the kitchen and behind the scenes.
“There are 131 eateries in Warrington that are rated three or better where you could enjoy a Christmas meal or party.
“It’s worth looking out for the green and black food hygiene rating stickers displayed on windows and doors. Or you can check online at www.food.gov.uk/ratings .”