THERE S star quality about a new scheme aimed at helping people decide where to buy and eat food. Scores on the Doors has been introduced by Stevenage Borough Council to allow people to make an informed choice. Based on new food safety standards, the sche

THERE'S star quality about a new scheme aimed at helping people decide where to buy and eat food.

Scores on the Doors has been introduced by Stevenage Borough Council to allow people to make an informed choice.

Based on new food safety standards, the scheme gives businesses selling food a score determined by council inspections.

It will be in the form of a star rating, with five being the maximum.

The system lets people see at a glance hygiene standards for that particular takeaway, restaurant, supermarket or pub. Around 400 businesses covered by the council's inspection programme will be part of the scheme.

Businesses will be sent a certificate showing the number of hygiene stars their premises scored, which they can display on their front door or window.

Displaying the certificate is voluntary, but the hygiene scores will also be published on the council's website so people will be able to see which premises have poor ratings.

Each establishment will be scored on the three headings of food hygiene and safety, structure and confidence in management.

Of the eight businesses inspected so far, three achieved a four-star rating.

The first to be presented with a certificate was fish and chip shop W J Rowe in Bedwell, run by William Rowe.

Executive councillor for environment and e-government, Richard Henry, said: "This scheme will give the public the chance to make informed choices about where they buy and eat food.

"It will help to increase the already high food hygiene standards in Stevenage and give people information they are allowed by law in a way that is easy to understand.