NEWS IN BRIEF
Just Eat taps Food Standards Scotland data for hygiene transparency
Just Eat claims to be the first online food delivery company to publish hygiene ratings for every Scottish restaurant and takeaway on its platform.
Leveraging data from Food Standards Scotland (FSS), the firm will make the latest food hygiene information available for consumers ‘at a glance’.
The decision follows a trial conducted in Northern Ireland, where Just Eat displayed the rating for more than 600 restaurants on its app and website.
The move follows a trial in Northern Ireland where the ratings for over 600 restaurants were displayed on the Just Eat app and website.
“We spoke to customers about the information they want before choosing their takeaway, and their feedback was clear. They want easy access to independent information about the hygiene standards of their local restaurants and we’ve worked hard to make that a reality,” said Just Eat’s UK managing director Graham Corfield.
“This will have the dual benefit of giving customers all the information they want, while also incentivising restaurants to invest in food hygiene and safety and ultimately drive standards up across the whole industry – even when the food isn’t being ordered via us,” he continued.
A number of representatives from the food safety sector welcomed Just Eat’s initiative, which they say boosts transparency for consumers.
“We welcome this move from Just Eat to increase the transparency of Food Hygiene Information, helping customers make informed choices when eating outside of the home, including ordering food online,” said FSS chief executive Geoff Ogle.
''It’s also encouraging to see Just Eat’s additional support for food businesses, supplementing the official controls carried out by local authorities.”
The Chartered Institute of Environmental Health similarly supported the move. “This latest announcement by Just Eat is excellent news,” said a spokesperson.
“More and more consumers are choosing to use online food delivery platforms. The availability of food hygiene ratings at the point of ordering will enable them to make informed decisions about where they purchase their food.
“We would like to see others follow Just Eat’s example.”
