Council presents first “Eat Safe Award” in Highland

A health club in Inverness is the first establishment in the Highlands to receive a prestigious national “Eat Safe Award”.

Caffe Cino at LivingWell Inverness was recently presented an Eat Safe Award by Highland Councillor John Ford, Depute Chairman of the City of Inverness and Area Consumer Protection and Public Health Committee.

Councillor Ford said: “I am delighted to present the first Eat Safe Award in Highland to LivingWell which is a particularly fitting organisation dedicated to the health and fitness of people living and working in Inverness Area. LivingWell customers should feel assured that these premises operate to the highest food hygiene standards.

Since introduction of the Eat Safe Awards in 2005, The Highland Council’s Environmental Health Service has administered the scheme in Highland in conjunction with the Food Standards Agency.

The main aim of the award scheme is to provide an incentive to caterers to strive for food hygiene and food safety management standards beyond those required by law. It also helps consumers make informed choices about where to eat out by providing a recognisable 'sign' of excellence in standards of food hygiene.

Operations Manager at LivingWell, Alan Bell, said: "We are delighted that this prestigious award has been awarded to our Caffe Cino Supervisor, Jane Phillips and her team. Jane places a lot of emphasis on hygiene and food safety and to see her efforts rewarded by becoming the first recipient of the Eat Safe Award in the Highlands and Islands is truly magnificent.

“Eat Safe recognises that the highest standards of Food Safety Management have been put in place on the premises and it is a sign that the food outlet is taking every precaution to prevent food poisoning and promote the principles of excellent food hygiene.”
 
Jane Phillips added: "We are all very proud of our achievement and I hope other food outlets in hotels, restaurants, cafes and snack bars follow our example and raise their standards of food safety."

Premises do not apply for the award. Environmental Health Officers assess if a business is eligible while carrying out routine inspections. If the business meets the standards required, they will be advised by the officer. To enter the scheme the business has to agree to terms and conditions which cover the issue of the award and circumstances under which an award can be withdrawn.

Eligible businesses are issued with a certificate and promotional material to display in their premises. The certificate is signed by the Food Standards Agency and The Highland Council.
Further information about the East Safe Awards can be found at  www.eatsafe.gov.uk