The recipe for a great meal out in Cheltenham this Christmas

But what about the food hygiene rating? Whatever your recipe for eating out this Christmas, choose one of the numerous eateries in Cheltenham with a rating of three or more.

The Food Hygiene Rating Scheme rates food businesses on their hygiene standards, based on inspections carried out by Cheltenham Borough Council. Businesses in the area are rated on a scale ranging from 0 which means ‘urgent improvement necessary’ to a top rating of 5 which is ‘very good’.

So, whether you’re planning a festive meal out with family, friends or work colleagues or just grabbing a quick lunch when out Christmas shopping; don’t only consider the menu – make sure you check the hygiene rating too!

Look out for the green and black food hygiene rating stickers displayed on windows and doors to find out how businesses in the Cheltenham area are doing. If you can’t see a sticker, then ask staff or check online at the Food Standards Agency website. 

Councillor Peter Jeffries, cabinet member for housing, safety and communities, said: “Christmas is a busy time for our local restaurants, cafes and pubs and with the majority of food businesses in the Cheltenham area rated three or above, the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme makes it easier for everyone to choose to eat out in places where food hygiene is taken seriously."

Catriona Stewart, head of the food hygiene ratings team at the Food Standards Agency, added: “The Food Hygiene Rating Scheme is a great tool when choosing where to eat out, particularly when celebrating a special meal, because it tells you what’s going on in the kitchen and behind the scenes. For local eateries, a good rating will be good for business during the festive season.”

This Christmas, make sure one of your ingredients for a great meal out is a good hygiene rating. Before you book check out the food hygiene rating of your favourite places to eat at by visiting the Food Standards Agency website. 

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For press enquiries contact: Kelly Carter, communications officer for Cheltenham Borough Council, telephone 01242 264154, email [email protected]

Notes:

1. The Food Hygiene Rating Scheme is a local authority/FSA partnership initiative designed to provide consumers with information about hygiene standards in food premises at the time they are inspected to check compliance with legal requirements – the rating given reflects the inspection findings.
2. The scheme currently operates in 98% of local authorities in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.