Region's food hygiene revealed

DUMFRIES and Galloway is on the lower end of the scale when it comes to pass ratings for food hygiene. A new report yesterday put the region at 21st out of 32 local authorities in Scotland for the number of food businesses passing inspections. The area has 759 premises and a 92.49 per cent pass rate, which is roughly the Scottish average. However, it lags behind other regions, such as South Ayrshire in the top spot with a 99 per cent pass rate; Falkirk next on 98.3 per cent; and then West Lothian on 98.1 per cent. The research was put together by High Speed Training, marking 15 years since the introduction of the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme. In Scotland, environmental health officers look at safety systems, observe food hygiene in practice and speak with staff, before giving businesses either a pass or improvementrequired rating. Dr Richard Anderson, at High Speed Training, said: “Food safety and robust hygiene practices should be of paramount importance to food businesses, and to the customers who use them. "These ratings are a direct reflection of how safely and hygienically that establishment operates, and we urge businesses and customers to take them seriously. “For businesses that perform well, a high rating is a real selling point. However, establishments with a low hygiene rating can be extremely off-putting for customers, which ultimately have a significant impact on reputation and profitability.” “Our report shows that, on average, standards remain high across the UK, and have improved from 2024. This commitment to correct food hygiene training for staff, alongside robust food management procedures and everyday good practices are crucial to keep performing at high standards." He urged customers to check the food hygiene ratings of establishments they wish to dine at.