Food Hygiene Postcode Lottery

A survey finds it's safer to eat in Fife than in Edinburgh or Dundee's restaurants.

A new Which? investigation has revealed that food hygiene is a postcode lottery, and that restaurants in Fife are safer than those in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Dundee.

The cities are all included in the top 10 of the worst places to eat, with the capital given the lowest overall rating. 

The consumer group have launched an interactive map showing the Scottish local authorities that are failing to ensure their businesses meet required standards.

A year on from when they last assessed local authorities on their food enforcement work, they have found some areas of Scotland are falling well below basic food hygiene requirements.  And say in some of the worst performing Scottish local authorities "you might as well toss a coin before deciding which restaurant to trust with your health."

The organistaion looked at the 32 Scottish council areas and rated Fife 21st on the list.

Which? spokesperson, Gordon MacRae, said:

"Our research reveals a shocking postcode lottery on food hygiene where in some places you may as well toss a coin before deciding which restaurant to trust with your health. Consumers expect local authorities to check that food businesses in their area comply with hygiene standards and rigorously enforce the rules.

"Local authorities should do more to make the best use of limited resources, respond effectively to risks across the food supply chain and ensure consumers are adequately protected wherever they live. Tackling food enforcement has to be a priority for Scottish Ministers and the new food agency, Food Standards Scotland, when it comes into being in April."