Vale of White Horse District Council
Abbey House, Abbey Close,
Abingdon, OX14 3JE
Email: comments@whitehorsedc.gov.uk
Telephone: 01235 520202

Vale of White Horse District Council

Scores on the Doors Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a national scheme?

The Food Standards Agency is working to make this a national scheme but final details are to be confirmed. We will keep businesses and users informed of any changes.

Who will be in the scheme?

Most businesses that produce serve or sell food - including shops, cafes, pubs serving food, hotels, takeaways, schools, nurseries, wholesalers and manufacturers.

Who sets the scores?

Our officers inspect all food businesses against nationally set food hygiene standards and give a star rating. Each business over one star will be given a certificate/sticker to display. The Food Standards Agency sets out how food hygiene inspections are carried out according to a code of practice.

What does the star rating mean?

The star rating gives the hygiene standards found at the time of the inspection. Five stars will be given for excellent premises and no stars for the poorest premises.

How can I find out a rating?

All ratings will be available on the Scores on the Doors website, where the scoring is explained further.

The name, address and type of the business, inspection date and star rating will be shown on the website.

Under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 anyone can also ask for the details of an inspection report for any food business.

Do businesses have to display their star rating certificates?

No. Displaying certificates is voluntary. However we encourage businesses to display the certificates/stickers prominently for everyone to see.

What do I do if the business is not displaying a certificate?

Businesses don’t have to display their certificate. It could also be that the business has still to be inspected or is waiting for a new certificate.

Can a rating be changed?

Businesses can’t request an additional inspection to re-score their premises. The rating may only change when the next scheduled food hygiene inspection takes place.

What if I disagree with the star rating?

The rating is based on the inspection by a qualified food safety officer and will only be changed in exceptional circumstances. If you have any concerns, please contact the officer who carried out the inspection. If you’re still unhappy, you may then contact the Environmental Health Manager, and failing that go through our complaints procedure.