Slough Borough Council: Food safety awards

Food safety awards

The council rewards food businesses that go the extra mile with its food safety award scheme.

Safe food award logo The main purpose of the scheme, which has recently been extended, is to give recognition to those businesses that have demonstrated commitment to the safe handling and preparation of food that meets, or goes beyond, the requirements of the legislation. It is hoped that the incentive of an award will encourage other businesses to follow suit.

The types of businesses that are eligible for an award are catering premises, including cafes, restaurants, pubs, hotels, canteens, mobile caterers and takeaways which have been operating under the same ownership for more than 6 months.

There are now 4 levels of award – 1, 2, 3 and 4 star. These replace the previous bronze, silver and gold awards which are equivalent to the new 2, 3 and 4 star awards respectively. The newly created 1 star award is offered to businesses which are found to be complying with minimum legal requirements.

Assessments for an award are normally carried out during routine food hygiene inspections unless you are a new business which has been operating for six months when you can request a special visit. Award assessments are based upon the standards for:

Hazard analysis/control system
Food safety practices/procedures
Staff training
Condition of the premises (including cleaning)

An award remains valid until the next routine inspection when it will be reassessed to determine whether the business retains, upgrades, or has the award withdrawn. Any fall in standards found as a result of a visit between routine inspections may also result in the withdrawal of an award.

The Award is linked to the Safe Food Award and provides additional recognition for caterers which offer healthier options. If you are a caterer with a Safe Food Award and are interested in receiving this additional award, an information pack is available on request. For further information on the scheme, please telephone 01753 875 255 or email foodandsafety@slough.gov.uk.