A STAR rating system in Oxford has led restaurants and other food outlets to improve their hygiene standards in the past 12 months.

The Scores on the Doors inspection programme was introduced by the city council a year ago in a bid to improve safety.

Ricardo Chasebi, who runs Ricardo’s sandwich bar in the Covered Market, has been awarded the top-ranking five-star status after getting four stars last year.

He said: “It’s a fair system which keeps you on your toes and I’m sure my customers will appreciate my new five-star rating.”

Twelve months ago, takeaways and restaurants in Oxford were inspected and then given a rating between zero and five stars.

One year on, environmental health officers at the city council say there has been an overall improvement in standards, with more than double the number of premises achieving the five-star rating.

Environmental development manager Ian Wright, said: “The Scores on the Doors system is a great incentive for premises to clean up their act.

“In the past, inspections were carried out but the results never went into the public domain.

“Now, with the star rating scheme, the information is available for consumers and that is bound to be an incentive for businesses to improve standards.

“It’s another tool in our toolbox to put pressure on restaurants and businesses to improve their hygiene standards.”

As part of the Scores on the Doors scheme, health officers call without notice to inspect the cleanliness of a restaurant and its kitchen.

They also examine the practices and procedures in place, to make sure food is being prepared safely.

They check that surfaces are clean, how restaurants store food, how they avoid cross-contamination, and how they cook, cool and then reheat food.

Mr Wright added that the number of premises considered to be “broadly compliant” – with three stars and above – had risen from 89 per cent to 93 per cent.

Earlier this year, Al-Shami Lebanese restaurant in Jericho and Café Rouge in Little Clarendon Street were forced to close temporarily after failing council food hygiene inspections.

Mr Wright added: “Premises with a lower number of stars will have more frequent inspections.

“The star system reflects the inspection programme that is laid down by the Food Standards Agency.

“Typically a four-star restaurant might only be inspected once every 18 months, but for those with fewer stars visits will be more frequent.”

Oxfordshire’s four district councils – Cherwell, West Oxfordshire, Vale and South Oxfordshire District Council also participate in the nationwide scheme.

  • For the full results, see scoresonthedoors.org.uk