Lewisham Council has changed to the Food Standards Agency’s national ‘Food Hygiene Rating Scheme' scheme, which is now operating across the borough.

All food outlets in Lewisham are now issued with a Food Hygiene Rating from 1 to 5, with 5 being awarded to the most hygienic premises.

The Food Standards Agency website enables anyone to check the hygiene rating of a food premises before making a decision to purchase food - customers should look out for hygiene certificates and window stickers given to all businesses that have been inspected.

Under the scheme, members of the public can report food outlets that they consider are not up to acceptable hygiene standards. Businesses can find out what they can do if they’re not happy with their rating. They can also get advice from the Council’s Food Safety Team about how they can improve their hygiene and standards.

Members of the public can also contact the Council’s Food Safety Team for information and advice.

All businesses that sell or prepare food for public use have been rated. This includes takeaways, cafés, pubs, restaurants, canteens, and some retail shops that sell food.