UK rolls out new hygiene rating scheme for food outlets

Under a new national food hygiene rating scheme that is in the process of being rolled out in the UK, consumers will be able to check an establishment's standards before they enter.

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) and local authorities are behind the roll-out that will cover restaurants, cafes, takeaways, supermarkets and other places that serve food in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The scheme would help reduce the one million cases of food poisoning reported each year.

Food outlets participating in the scheme would be graded from zero to five meaning urgent improvement needed to very good.

The outlets would display a bright green and black sticker at the entrance showing the rating.

The FSA's website would also feature the ratings.