Kennet District Council has launched its Food Hygiene Star Rating Scheme. This is a new web based way for members of the public to view the hygiene standards of local food businesses. The initial results are now published on its website at www.kennet.gov.uk Samantha Colley, Senior Environmental Health Office at Kennet said "We have been encouraged by the positive reaction to this new Scheme. Food business operators have welcomed the awarding of stars as a means of recognising the standard of food hygiene being achieved. We have issued 28 certificates so far including 12 certificates for 4 or 5 Stars which acknowledges a Very Good or Excellent standard of food hygiene. We have also issued nine certificates rated 2 Stars or less and we are working closely with those businesses to help them to improve standards."

There are over 850 establishments on Kennet's food business register. Most of these will be awarded a Star Rating over the next 2 years. A 5 Star Rating is awarded where excellent hygiene conditions are found and where there is a high standard of compliance with food legislation. The lowest Rating (0 Stars) represents very poor hygiene conditions with some major non-compliance with food legislation.

The publication of food ratings, sometimes known as "Scores on the Doors" has become increasingly commonplace recently and in setting up this Scheme Kennet has joined other local authorities in Wiltshire in offering the information to the public in a format consistent across the county.

The Food Hygiene Star Ratings will be updated on Kennet's website each month where you will also be able to find information on how the Scheme is run, how the Stars are allocated and how the food hygiene risk rating is calculated.

If you would like further information about the Scheme please visit the website at www.kennet.gov.uk or telephone 01380 724911. Alternatively you can contact Environmental Protection & Housing Services, Kennet District Council, Browfort, Bath Road, Devizes SN10 2AT.