'Scores on the doors' food hygiene plans unveiled

Proposals to require food businesses such as restaurants, takeaways and supermarkets in Wales to display food hygiene ratings at their premises have been unveiled.

The 'scores on the doors' scheme will become mandatory, making Wales the first part of the UK to introduce a compulsory scheme.

Under the scheme, businesses will be rated with a score between 0 and 5 - with 0 meaning urgent improvement is necessary and a 5 rating meaning hygiene standards are very good.

Businesses will be required to display their rating in a prominent position, such as at the entrance to their premises, or face a fine.

The rating system will be based on criteria including food handling standards, how the food is prepared, cooked, cooled and stored as well as the condition of the premises and the procedures in place to ensure food is produced safely.