Food safety

Who to contact

Environmental Health and Consumer Protection
Municipal buildings
Cherryfield drive
Kirkby
L32 1TX

Telephone: 0151 443 4723

Email: environmentalhealth@knowsley.gov.uk

The council carries out regular checks on food premises in the borough to make sure the public is protected and that high standards are maintained.

All food businesses must be registered with the council and include market stalls, delivery vehicles and mobile food traders.

Food poisoning

The main causes of food poisoning are:

  • Not cooking food properly.
  • Preparing food too far in advance.
  • Not defrosting food correctly.
  • Storing foods incorrectly
  • Cross contamination
  • Poor hygiene

Who is at risk?

We all are, but young children and the elderly and become ill quickly when infected. Pregnant women, people who already have a pre-existing illness, and anyone whose immune system is weakened can also be seriously affected by food borne illness.

For further information about the safe preparation of food, visit the Food Standards Agency website.

For further information about symptoms of food poisoning, visit the NHS website.

Scores on the Doors

Scores on the Doors is a food hygiene rating system used by Knowsley Council.

It allows diners to find out the standard of food hygiene at around 500 premises across the borough.

Food hygiene inspections are carried out at all Knowsley businesses which handle food, in line with national guidelines, and the scores are then converted into the following star ratings:

The scores are awarded for food hygiene and safety procedures, condition of the premises, and the management of the business and its food safety systems.

Find out the standard of food premises in Knowsley.

Star Rating Standard of premises
* * * * * Excellent
* * * * Very Good
* * * Good
* * Fair
* Poor
  Major improvement needed

 

A wide range of businesses across Knowsley are included in the scheme, including:

  • Retail businesses handling open or perishable food
  • Catering establishments
  • Mobile traders
  • School and work canteens
  • Institutional kitchens (eg nursing and residential homes) 

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