Takeaways may be shamed

Restaurants and takeaways in Cannock which fail health inspections could be named and shamed by the district council under new plans.

Councillors are expected to approve a new scheme next week to publicise the results of food hygiene inspections on its website and to introduce a star rating scheme for eateries across the district.

Although venues which fail the inspections will have their name on the council's website, they will not be required to display the notices to customers.

Bosses at the council believe the scheme, described as 'scores on the doors', will lead to an increase in food hygiene across the Chase and will in turn see incidents of food borne illnesses reduce.The council's ruling cabinet is expected to approve the scheme at its meeting next Thursday.

A report to councillors revealed in 2006 there were 413 inspections and of those only 11, under three per cent, resulted in the serving of notices.

These 11 premises were served with 63 notices with food being seized or voluntarily surrendered to council officers on 21 occasions.

A consultation exercise by the council showed 90 per cent of people asked thought the idea was good with 88 per cent of people saying it would affect where they chose to eat.

The council also asked 70 businesses of which 100 per cent said they would display notices. Officers say businesses would be given a right to reply on the council's website and would be regularly inspected until any issues were resolved.

Cabinet member for health Ann Bernard said the scheme would give consumers a greater choice. She said: "From a consumer point of view people will be able to check on the council website whether the premises is a good place to eat.

"It will drive up standards and take away that element of doubt that people can have. I don't believe we have a lot of problem premises in the Cannock area."

She admitted poor performing venues would not be forced to display the notices but she added: "It will give the better performing restaurants a chance to advertise their high standards."

All food outlets will be put on a database by April with the scheme starting in June.

By Shaun Lintern