More than three quarters of independent convenience stores are yet to receive a food hygiene rating, RN analysis has revealed.
The rating, which is managed by the Food Standards Agency (FSA), notifies customers how reliable a business is when it comes to food hygiene. A score from 0 to 2 indicates the store has failed its inspection, while ratings from 3 to 5 are a pass.
RN research found 6,894 independent retailers out of 33,308 had an official assessment recorded. A further 186 were “awaiting inspection” – a term the FSA applies to a new business or a store under new management. Fifty-two out of 4,920 multiple-managed stores were also awaiting examination.
Former Spar compliance officer Anne-Marie Canham, who is now managing director of food safety training specialist Training Orbz, said: “Retailers should contact their council if they want an inspection. Potential customers research these ratings and store owners can lose potential business if they don’t have a rating.”
Any business which sells or handles food is required by law to register with the FSA.
Read similar: Part one of our food hygiene investigation: why are independents falling behind multiples?
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