Food outlets given hygiene stars

The new star-rating system will apply to all places serving food

Telford and Wrekin Council is to consider introducing a new ratings system for restaurants, pubs, school canteens and take-aways.

The "Scores On The Doors" scheme would see food premises given a star rating based on how hygienic they are.

The council's Jacqui Seymour said: "It will help consumers make informed choices, while endorsing businesses with the best practices."

If it is backed by the council, the scheme would start in June 2008.

Nought to five

Under the plans, any food inspections carried out from December would feed into a business' score, with five stars being the highest rating and zero the lowest.

The scheme would cover a host of businesses from pubs, restaurants and take-aways to private caterers, care homes and school kitchens.

The star ratings would be based on food hygiene, safety, cleaning and management, and be displayed at the food outlet, if it wants to, and on the council's website.

The scheme is due to be discussed at a cabinet meeting on 26 November.