Food Hygiene Information Scheme (FHIS) – September 2009

This meeting comprised of EHO's from all over Scotland. Billy Hamilton of Glasgow City Council reported on the progress of FHIS, explaining that by April 2012, 25 of the 32 Scottish local authorities would hope to be operating the voluntary scheme.

A consumer perspective was given by Mary Lawton who called for a public awareness campaign.
Douglas reported little objection to the way FHIS had been introduced but claimed that the alternative – star scheme – was not popular with industry, especially hospitality.

Peter Midgley of FSA Aberdeen explained the differences between FHIS and the Eat Safe Award. Consideration was given to aligning the scope of the Eat Safe Award with that of FHIS.

Sally Hayden, one of the Scores on the Doors Scheme team at FSA, Aviation House, London, showed the proliferation of conflicting schemes. (remember the FHIS Pass / Fail scheme is only for Scotland). Jim Dixon sits on the Implementation Steering Group considering the banding for the six tier scheme and the scoring. They feel that it is important to design out any gold plating.

The UK scheme is hoping to have guidance for local authorities by the end of October 2009. They hope to have agreement for symbols, descriptors and branding for the six tier scheme by the end of December 2009.

53% of England and Wales local authorities have existing schemes and of course each thinks theirs is the best. Implementation south of the border is proving to be a difficult task. Consumer research will be undertaken on choice of symbols.

Point to watch is future charges for re-inspection. In Scotland there is no intention to charge.