FOOD businesses that consistently maintain high food hygiene standards are being recognised with a special status.

Triple 5 celebrates eateries that gain the top level five Food Hygiene Rating and maintain it for at least three inspections – a cycle which takes about six years to complete.

Restaurants, cafes, takeaways and catering vans that achieve Triple 5 status will be sent a letter from Worcestershire Regulatory Services, who carry out food hygiene inspections for Wychavon, which they can display to customers.

If a business fails to maintain a five rating at future inspections, it will lose Triple 5 status.

More than 70 businesses across Wychavon have already been recognised and more will be added as inspections take place.

The National Food Hygiene Rating scheme allows customers to choose where they eat out or grab food on the go with confidence.

It rates food businesses from zero to five, with level five businesses deemed to be going above and beyond the required legal food safety standards.

Cllr Beverley Hardman, executive board member for climate change, environmental policy and regulatory services on Wychavon District Council, said: “The Triple 5 scheme is a fantastic way to celebrate and recognise food businesses that take their commitment to food safety standards seriously.

“I’m delighted so many businesses have achieved Triple 5 status already and look forward to more achieving this prestigious honour in the future.”

Triple 5 rated businesses will be listed on the Worcestershire Regulatory Services website. Residents can find out the rating of a food business by visiting the Food Standards Agency website at www.food.gov.uk/ratings.