Consumers in Fife will soon be able to see how well food businesses in their area have fared in hygiene inspections under a two-year pilot scheme starting today, November 6.

The Food Hygiene Information Scheme applies to all premises supplying food to the public in the pilot areas St Andrews and Levenmouth.

• View results online here

It was developed and implemented in Scotland by the Food Standards Agency Scotland with the support of consumer organisations, industry and local authorities.

From today, premises will be asked to display certificates prominently on the door or window, showing how well they did in their last hygiene inspection.

These certificates, based on current inspection records will say "Pass" or "Improvement Required". An "Awaiting Inspection" certificate will be available for new businesses.

George Paterson, Director, FSA Scotland said: "This scheme is designed to give consumers clear information that is easy to understand and which helps them make informed choices about the hygiene standards in the outlets in their area.

"Our Scottish Consumer Attitudes Survey 2005 showed that many people were concerned about hygiene in food outlets, as such it makes sense for businesses to put customers and food hygiene at the top of their agenda. The more confident customers are in a business' food hygiene, the more likely they are to come back!

"We hope this new scheme will increase consumer confidence and help people make informed choices about where they eat or buy their food."

Discussions with stakeholders and Freedom of Information legislation have prompted the Agency to consider developing a UK-wide initiative. Two pilots will also run in England. All three will be evaluated in due course.

Councillor Andrew Keddie, Chair of the Community Safety Committee, said: "Fife has some of the best dining around, using fine Fife produce. The majority of businesses we inspect already have exceptionally high standards, but people can be concerned about food hygiene.

"This new pilot system will let customers see at a glance if their restaurant of choice passed their most recent inspection rather than have to wade through technical reports.

"We hope this will act as an incentive for businesses to maintain and strive for even higher standards and provide assurances for customers. And for those who don't fare so well, at an inspection it will be an even bigger incentive to make improvements.

"By working with businesses we can help encourage the highest possible standards while giving consumers confidence and helping them make informed choices about where they eat."