TGI Friday’s, the Karen Forrester-led chain, has become the first restaurant chain in the UK to receive a ‘perfect’ rating of five in the National Food Hygiene Ratings Scheme across all of its 60 UK-based restaurants.
The scheme, previously known as ‘Scores on the Doors’ and run by the Food Standards Association (FSA) rates, all restaurants from zero to five for their food hygiene practices.
Upon receiving the rating of five, Friday’s was praised for an internal audit process that actually exceeds the standards set for a top rating by the FSA. It is also the latest step in a pursuit of ‘nothing but excellence’ for the group.
Under the scheme food safety officers visit businesses to check they meet the requirements of food hygiene law. Scores are calculated based upon the National Code of Practice. Aspects taken into account include: How hygienically food is handled, prepared, cooked and stored; the condition and structure of the building including cleanliness, lighting and ventilation; and how the business manages and records its food hygiene processes
Melissa Paradiso, brand protection support manager at TGI Friday’s UK, said: “Consumers are increasingly taking hygiene into consideration when making their restaurant choices. It doesn’t matter how good the food and drink may be – having perfect hygiene is an absolute basic which every restaurant should have as a core principal.
“Despite us expecting nothing less, we are still delighted to have achieved the great accolade of having all our restaurants receive the top grade achievable in the National Food Hygiene Rating Scheme. It is part of a wider journey to nothing but excellence in all areas of the business at Friday’s which is something our ever-increasing numbers of guests expect.”
