THE GOOD HEALTH AWARD

 

Guidance on standards of hygiene
The GOOD Health Award applies three hygiene criteria, which must be satisfied before premises can be accepted as demonstrating a good standard of hygiene.
These criteria are as follows:

• Comply in all respects with The Food Hygiene (General) Regulations 1977.
• Adopt good hygiene practices in the storage, preparation and sale of food, e.g.
  - cleaning routines
  - control of pests
  - high levels of personal hygiene
  - preventing contamination and cross-contamination of food
  - Temperature control of food.
• Ensure that a minimum of food handles are trained and qualified to at least the level of the Chartered Institute of Environmental health's C.I.E.H. Foundation Certificate in Food Hygiene or its equivalent.

Whilst the application of the standard to each premises may vary depending on its nature and size, it is important that the standards of hygiene throughout can justifiably be described as good. The reputation of the award and the promotion of healthy lifestyles will not be assisted by premises displaying poor or barley satisfactory standards of hygiene.

The decision regarding whether an establishment has achieved a good standard rests with the health department, health promotion officer, environmental health officer and dietician who will be responsible for determining acceptance of the standard and providing advice where necessary.

It is important to note that the good standard of hygiene must be maintained at all times and not merely at the time a GOOD Health Award is made. In addition, all premises are required by law to comply with the Food Hygiene (General) Regulations 1977 and failure to do so is a criminal offence.

Many businesses carry out their own food hygiene training. It is possible that such training is an acceptance alternative to the C.I.E.H. Foundation Certificate in Food Hygiene Course.

Businesses may apply to the Environmental Agency for verification of such courses. Without verification, the training will not be accepted as a suitable alternative.

Food Hygiene courses are provided locally by E.A. Management Services Ltd.