Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council wishes to promote high standards of food safety in businesses catering for the public, and recognise those businesses that meet these high standards. This recognition will be given in the form of an EAT Good Hygiene Award issued by the council.

Will my business be eligible for an award?

To be eligible for the EAT Good Hygiene Award your business must be a caterer providing food for the public, e.g. café, restaurant, pub, take-away, mobile caterer, sandwich bar, school, residential home, hospital etc.

What can I do to get an EAT Good Hygiene Award?

You will have to wait until your next programmed inspection when you will be automatically assessed for an award.

What standards must I achieve to get an EAT Good Hygiene Award?

You must have addressed two key issues of the Food Safety (General Food Hygiene) Regulations 1995, namely the requirements to carry out hazard analysis for the food operation and the requirement for training food handlers.

You must be able to demonstrate that you have a high standard of food hygiene by producing a documented food safety hazard analysis, and records to show that you are implementing all appropriate controls to ensure the safety of the food you are handling.
Your premises must be clean and well maintained.

Are there different levels of Award?

Yes- there are two levels of award –
Gold and Silver.

There is no definitive list of standards to be attained to achieve the Gold or Silver EAT Good Hygiene Award. The Officer who inspects your premises will assess the standard of your business having consideration for the hazards, controls, scope and scale of the operation.

How long does the award last?

It will remain valid until your next programmed inspection. However the EAT Good Hygiene Award remains in the ownership of Sandwell MBC and can be taken away at any time if standards fall or there is a change to the ownership or the type of business.

How will customers know I have an Award?

Premises, which meet the required standard, will be presented with a certificate and a door sticker to display on their premises. The certificate will show your commitment to providing safe food and enhance your reputation with customers.

The EAT Good Hygiene Award will be publicised locally, and lists of businesses with the Award will be published as well as being available on the Council’s website.

Useful websites for Food Hygiene Information:

• www.food.gov.uk
• www.food.gov.uk/cleanup
• www.eatwell.gov.uk

Points that will be considered when you are assessed for an award:

• Documented food safety hazard analysis
• Adequate training
• Prevention of cross contamination
• Temperature monitoring
• Cleaning schedules
• Standard of maintenance
• Stock rotation systems
• Good personal hygiene and suitable overalls
• In-house audits
• Arrangements for waste management
• Pest Control arrangements