There is a real public interest in food hygiene standards. We are frequently asked "Where is it safe to eat?" and "Which are the places better avoided?" It's perhaps not surprising considering that the Food Standard's Agency estimate that around 4 million of us suffer from food poisoning each year.
Wouldn't it be nice to just sit back, relax and enjoy your meal without having to worry about hygiene, cleanliness and food safety?

Now you can, as Local authorities in Wales, in partnership with the Food Standards Agency Wales have established the Welsh Food Hygiene Awards Scheme.
The scheme aims to give recognition to food premises, which have attained and maintained high standards of cleanliness and food hygiene practices.

Food retailers, cafes, pubs, restaurants, canteens and mobile food traders in Caerphilly County Borough are eligible to receive one of the prestigious awards if they meet the tough hygiene requirements set out by the Food Standards Agency Wales and the council's Food, Health and Safety service. The award is given at the discretion of the Council following one unannounced inspection where the required standards have been achieved and maintained.

There are three categories of award - Gold, Silver and Bronze, but the gaining of any category of award is significant and indicates high standards.

All those businesses that meet the required standards will be presented with a certificate to display on their premises. This will demonstrate to customers a commitment to produce safe food and enhance their business reputation.
It is valid until the next inspection date and can be taken away if standards have slipped.

All local authorities in Wales are already participating in the Welsh Food Hygiene Award Scheme. Launched in 2002, this scheme targets food businesses that prepare and/or sell high risk foods. Awards are issued at the discretion of the local authority following an assessment during an unannounced programmed food hygiene inspection.
Details of Awards given may be found on the local authority's own website.