CIEH responds to BBC radio interview about food hygiene inspections

The Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH), the body representing Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, has responded to an interview with writer Giles Coren on Wednesday’s BBC Radio 4’s World at One programme in relation to a recent food hygiene rating of 1 out of 5 given following an inspection of the Ynyshir Restaurant and Rooms, near Machynlleth in Ceredigion, Wales.

Some of the comments expressed by Coren risk giving the impression that food hygiene rules are optional, subjective or old fashioned. They are not. They exist to protect the public from illness and harm, and no dining experience, however unusual or exclusive, sits outside the law.

Una Kane, Chair of the CIEH Food Advisory Panel, said:

“CIEH was disappointed to hear some of the views expressed in the interview with Giles Coren which played down the importance of any food business adhering to food hygiene legislation to protect the public. Coren’s answers included common misconceptions about the purpose of food safety standards.

“Coren suggested that the nature of the restaurant which was the subject of a really low food hygiene rating (its rating of 1 means it is operating below minimum legal standards) meant that ‘normal health and safety things’ should not apply. We are appalled at the suggestion that it should be considered optional for certain kinds of restaurants to meet legal standards.

“Many restaurants offer a unique experience for diners while meeting the standards of food hygiene legislation. It’s insulting to those restauranteurs to imply you can’t do both. No food business should see itself as above the law.

“In Wales, it is mandatory to display a food hygiene rating and evidence shows that the scheme has driven up business standards over time. A food hygiene inspection is not merely a ‘tick box exercise’ as also suggested by Coren in the interview but critical in terms of ensuring food is being handled and produced hygienically and that correct standards are being met.

“The public rely on the transparency which the mandatory scheme brings about so they can be confident in choosing where they eat out or buy food products.

“Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) who carry out these inspections are highly trained professionals working in the public interest. They also work constructively with food businesses to help them meet required standards. Consumers have a right to expect that wherever they choose to eat, the same basic standards apply. That principle is non-negotiable.

“We welcome that the restaurant has recognised the concerns raised and is working cooperatively with the local Environmental Health team to remedy the issues raised in the inspection.”