A food safety rating scheme, run by some councils and states, that displays a hygiene rating for a food business.
A food safety rating scheme, run by some councils and states, that displays a hygiene rating for a food business. Scores on Doors is the name of food safety rating schemes that let consumers see how well a food business performs on hygiene and food safety. A business is given a rating, often shown as a star rating or certificate, based on the outcome of a council inspection, and can display it at its premises or online. These schemes are not uniform across Australia. In New South Wales, Scores on Doors is a recognised state-supported scheme run in partnership with participating councils, and some other councils and states run their own rating or recognition programs. Participation is voluntary in many places, so not every food business displays a rating and no single scheme applies everywhere in the country. In practice a participating business is assessed during a normal inspection, and the officer converts the result into a rating. A high rating can be a marketing asset that reassures customers, while a low or absent rating may prompt a business to improve so it can display a better result at the next assessment. Because the schemes are voluntary in many areas and vary between jurisdictions, a business should check with its own council to see whether a scheme operates locally and how ratings are earned. Whether or not a business participates, it must still meet all the underlying food safety requirements enforced through inspection. A cafe in a participating New South Wales council area earns a five-star Scores on Doors rating at its inspection and displays the certificate in its window, using it to reassure customers that its kitchen meets a high hygiene standard.
Frequently asked questions
Does Scores on Doors apply everywhere in Australia?
No. It is run by some councils and states, and participation is voluntary in many places, so not every area has a scheme and not every business displays a rating.
How is a rating decided?
The rating is based on the outcome of a council food safety inspection, converted into a star rating or certificate under the scheme's rules.
Is displaying a rating compulsory?
In many areas participation and display are voluntary, though some schemes encourage or require participating businesses to display their result.
Can my rating change?
Yes. Ratings are updated when the business is reassessed, so improving your food safety practices can lift your score at the next inspection.
Do I still have to meet the law if I do not join?
Yes. A rating scheme sits on top of the law; every food business must meet the food safety requirements enforced through inspection regardless of whether it displays a rating.
