A DISTRICT councillor has suggested that the Forest should trial a scheme to require businesses to display their food hygiene ratings.

Already compulsory in Wales, the Local Government Association (LGA), which represents local authorities in England, has called for the scheme to be adopted there too.

Cllr Craig Lawton (Con: Oxenhall and Newent North East), the Forest of Dean’s health champion, is backing the idea. 

“With the Forest sharing a border with Wales, we would be the perfect area for a trial of this idea to set an example for the rest of England,” said Cllr Lawton.

Residents who live their lives on the border would not see any difference as this is something that Wales already does. 

“Businesses being required by law to display their food hygiene ratings is something which can only be a positive thing for residents and visitors.

“It reassures people that the businesses they are eating and drinking in are safe and hygienic.

“The LGA last month urged all councils to require food premises to display their ‘scores on the doors.’ The bonus for those good businesses in our area is that they will also benefit from having their excellent hygiene ratings displayed.” 

Cllr Simon Blackburn, chair of the LGA’s Safer and Stronger Communities Board, said “The lack of a hygiene rating sticker in a business means customers are left in the dark on official kitchen cleanliness levels when eating or buying food there.

 “A food hygiene rating distinguishes between appearance and reality. A food outlet may have nice décor but that doesn’t mean that hygiene standards are good enough to avoid being served a ‘dodgy’ burger or salad that could pose a serious risk to someone’s health.”

 Cllr Lawton has written to Cllr Alan Grant, Forest of Dean’s Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, urging him to begin discussions with the Local Government Association so that the Forest can trial the scheme.