MORE than 20 owners and staff from food businesses across West Devon, including restaurants, shops, pubs, and takeaways took part in a half-day training seminar aimed at helping them get top marks in food hygiene.  The seminar, by West Devon Borough Council on April 9, guided businesses through the legal requirements for food safety and also how to achieve and maintain the highest rating of 5 under the national Food Hygiene Rating Scheme. Environmental health officers Kelly Johns and Karen Procter hosted the session at Kilworthy Park, Tavistock, and were able to pass on their first hand knowledge of good practice. Kelly said: 'We are delighted with the positive reaction from businesses. Customers are increasingly looking out for the distinctive Food Hygiene Rating Scheme signs and we hope this training session will help outlets achieve the standards they need to get top marks.' If businesses join the national Food Hygiene Rating Scheme they are rated nought to five by environmental health officers on routine inspections — five being very good and nought for major improvements necessary. Caroline Brookes from Oaktree Occasions based at Okehampton said: 'It was a valuable and informal presentation on how to uphold our five-star rating and continue to remain compliant and up-to-date regarding food safety and hygiene regulations.' All the hygiene ratings of food businesses are available on the Food Standards Agency website http://www.food.gov.uk/ratings">www.food.gov.uk/ratings For more information call the borough's Environmental Health Business Support Unit on 01822 813600.