Scores on Doors

The NSW Food Authority in conjunction with 26 local Councils rolled out a year-long voluntary trial of a food hygiene rating scheme named ‘Scores on Doors’ from 1 August 2011. Food retail and food service outlets participating in the scheme are assigned a star rating dependent upon their level of performance. Outlets include restaurants, takeaways, cafes, pubs, hotels, clubs and bakeries.

The 12–month trial followed a 6 month pilot held in 2010 across 20 different local council areas that represented a mix of large and small, metropolitan and regional businesses.

After trialling the improved Scores on Doors program for 12 months, participating councils and businesses reported the program had helped improve hygiene standards. This was supported by the Food Authority’s research into international food hygiene ratings schemes which have proven to improve food safety compliance in food businesses.

The program is continuing on a voluntary basis and in June 2013, a Working Group of key participants and stakeholders was formed to consider the future development of the program to improve and extend participation.

A review summary of the trial has been released and is available for download below.

Enhancements to the program have been implemented from December 2013.

As of June 2019 there are 59 NSW councils actively participating in the scheme.