Food hygiene ratings are to be introduced in the island by next summer
Minister for the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture Clare Barber confirmed the plans in Tynwald today.
A revised rating scheme was due to be put forward last year, however this was replaced with a food safety programme.
The minister told the court that this had not worked as the department intended.
Food Hygiene Ratings
As a result, DEFA has been delivering a new food safety programme, which will take a refreshed approach to food safety through training, communication, and a risk based inspection regime.
Mrs Barber said: “Feedback from businesses and the public has been very positive, and the department now wants to build on this progress by exploring models used in other jurisdictions that make food hygiene information publicly available in a clear and appropriate way.
“Improvements to this scheme will build on a review of how food hygiene information is currently managed and shared and the role of pre inspection support that can ensure we have businesses that achieve the relevant standards and place public safety at the heart of their systems.
“The aim is to balance transparency and public interest with support for businesses, encouraging them to work proactively with environmental health officers to maintain and improve standards, with the scheme being developed in consultation with stakeholders and food, hygiene, performance information made publicly available at appropriate times and in appropriate detail.”
