REDDITCH businesses that consistently maintain high food standards are being recognised with a new scheme.

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

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

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

A total of 23 businesses across Redditch have been awarded the new Triple 5 status.

Portfolio holder for regulatory services, Cllr Lucy Harrison, said: “It takes time and dedication for a business to achieve an award like this and I congratulate all of the businesses who have received this new accolade.

“The Triple 5 scheme celebrates and recognises their commitment to food safety standards and delivering safe practices for their customers. I look forward to more businesses achieving this prestigious status in the coming years.”

The National Food Hygiene Rating rates food businesses from zero to five, with level five businesses deemed to be going above and beyond the required legal food safety standard, allowing customers to make informed choices about where they eat.