June 26, 2008
Hygiene Ratings Suggested For U.K. Supermarkets
By Bernice Hurst, Managing Partner, Fine Food Network
You would think it sounds obvious. Proudly show customers just how clean your store is by putting a sign on the door with approved ratings from an official inspector.
But Tesco, Sainsbury and Asda have all protested the ways and means that might be used to measure their food hygiene standards under a current proposal from the Britain’s Food Standards Agency (FSA). And the inspectors who might inspect them. And the consistency, or otherwise, of the inspections. And the way that information would be presented so that customers aren’t confused. And the frequency of inspections which might not take into account quick responses to suggestions for improvement. And, and, and…
The protests came after the FSA proposed that its Scores on the Doors hygiene ratings program – carried out by local authorities – be extended to supermarkets, according to a report in The Independent newspaper. The scheme, already used by a number of restaurant and sandwich chains, could lead to results being displayed on their windows and doors. Consumers can also find hygiene ratings on the scoresonthedoors.org.uk website.
On its own website, the FSA explains that “Scores on the Doors schemes are designed to provide consumers with information about standards of hygiene in food businesses and to empower them to make informed choices.”
However, a Sainsbury’s spokeswoman insisted that it supports “anything that improves food safety and leads to better and more accurate information being given to consumers.” But it added, “We are concerned about the confusion surrounding this scheme and the inconsistency involved in marking.”
Asda’s spokeswoman said that they “would like one simple, clear system for all local authorities because what is being proposed is confusing.” According to reports, Tesco had similar concerns.
Discussion Questions: Should supermarkets be forced to display hygiene ratings just like many restaurant and sandwich chains? Do you likewise see potential problems creating standards around hygiene ratings? What solution do you see for assuring the safety of food at supermarkets?
BrainTrust
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Discussion Questions
Poll
Supermarkets should set their feet skeptically on the crust of a “perfect” world. Why? Because its crust is thin–and its many changing rules and political fancies are always in ever-thinning motion.
If, for instance, a store deservedly gets a “Top” hygiene rating for its many in-store practices by some ruling agency, but then it has to pull products that were produced outside the store such as tomatoes or spinach contaminated with E. coli or mad cow pronouncement on ground beef, it would have to place health-caution signs inside its stores re: such “non-hygienic” products. What impact would that have on its top “hygiene” reputation?
While one cannot be against supporting any serious venture for excellent store hygiene, it should be counterbalanced by the day-to-day perception of cleanliness and hygiene it creates in the customer’s eye on each visit.
P.S. I’ve been in cafes and food shops that have been given higher hygiene ratings than my experience would have given them.
Supermarkets should be subject to the same ratings as restaurants and coffee shops. Why shouldn’t consumers be offered this information? And what are Tesco, Asda and the like afraid of?
The UK’s largest supermarket chains have all been opening coffee shops and restaurants at a rate of knots, in a bid to capture out of home eating and expand their business. They can’t have it both ways – just like any other catering chain, they need to operate to the same hygiene standards. Moreover, as Tesco, Sainsbury and Asda have the majority share of the UK Grocery market, this is a great opportunity for them to demonstrate their expertise in food and take a leadership position in hygiene.
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Supermarkets should set their feet skeptically on the crust of a “perfect” world. Why? Because its crust is thin–and its many changing rules and political fancies are always in ever-thinning motion.
If, for instance, a store deservedly gets a “Top” hygiene rating for its many in-store practices by some ruling agency, but then it has to pull products that were produced outside the store such as tomatoes or spinach contaminated with E. coli or mad cow pronouncement on ground beef, it would have to place health-caution signs inside its stores re: such “non-hygienic” products. What impact would that have on its top “hygiene” reputation?
While one cannot be against supporting any serious venture for excellent store hygiene, it should be counterbalanced by the day-to-day perception of cleanliness and hygiene it creates in the customer’s eye on each visit.
P.S. I’ve been in cafes and food shops that have been given higher hygiene ratings than my experience would have given them.
Supermarkets should be subject to the same ratings as restaurants and coffee shops. Why shouldn’t consumers be offered this information? And what are Tesco, Asda and the like afraid of?
The UK’s largest supermarket chains have all been opening coffee shops and restaurants at a rate of knots, in a bid to capture out of home eating and expand their business. They can’t have it both ways – just like any other catering chain, they need to operate to the same hygiene standards. Moreover, as Tesco, Sainsbury and Asda have the majority share of the UK Grocery market, this is a great opportunity for them to demonstrate their expertise in food and take a leadership position in hygiene.