WEST Devon food businesses are being offered the chance to find out more about the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme at a series of seminars this April.

West Devon Borough Council, which runs the scheme in partnership with the Food Standards Agency, has invited restaurants, pubs, cafés, takeaways, hotels, supermarkets and other food outlets to the sessions at Kilworthy Park in Tavistock.

The Food Hygiene Rating Scheme allows customers to make an informed choice about where to eat out or buy food.

Hygiene standards are assessed during their routines inspection at which a rating is awarded from five for very good to nought for major improvements necessary.

The business gets a sticker and certificate showing their rating which should be displayed at the premises.

Many food outlets in West Devon already have the highest rating including Toops Foods Kebab and Burger Van, which trades in Bedford Square in Tavistock on weekend evenings.

Richard Edwards from the business said: 'We have been running the Kebab Van in the square for seven years and we always keep up with the latest changes and requirements when it comes to food safety.

'We are proud of our five star rating and it makes great business sense — after all good, safe food means happy customers.'    

The seminars will be presented by the council's Food Safety Team.

The training sessions will cover subjects such as how to hygienically handle, prepare, reheat, store and cook food; the cleanliness, repair, layout and ventilation of premises; and how food safety is managed and documented — among other aspects.

They are suitable for businesses hoping to keep their top rating as well as those wishing to improve.

Cllr Robert Oxborough, the borough council's chairman of community services, said: 'We hope these seminars will help our local food businesses understand the hygiene rating scheme and comply with the rules.

'Residents are entitled to know how the places where they shop and eat are doing on food hygiene, and many customers now check the rating sticker before buying.

'I am delighted so many of our food outlets are already "Five" rated and would encourage those that aren't to strive for the top mark!'

Food businesses in West Devon have been sent an invitation to the seminars on April 22 and 29. The sessions cost £50 per person.

For more information call the Environmental Health Business Support Unit on 01822 813600.