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Information for consumers is once again in the news.  This week the FSA Board considered proposals for a national 'scores on doors' scheme to put hygiene scores on display in food premises.

The scheme proposed is aimed at providing information to inform consumers and consumer choice.  But once again there is the debate about whether consumers want information of this type – will they understand it, and what will they do with it.

As Chief Scientist of the Agency, I am regularly involved in discussions about food issues that are far from straightforward. Food hygiene information on food businesses and how we present it to consumers fall into the same category.  Because informing consumers is difficult is not a reason for making excuses and ducking the issue.  This is what I think and, more importantly, this is what the Board thought on ‘scores on the doors’. 

Those who heard the Board discussion heard that the debate was not about whether we have a scheme, but about the type of scheme that would benefit consumers.

It was agreed that the Agency will consult on two options for a national scheme.  This consultation will be launched in the coming weeks.

Consumer and food business organisations, and enforcement bodies, will provide key input to that consultation.  But it would be great to know what ordinary consumers would like from a scheme.  As a family man with children, as well as being a scientist, I am firmly in the camp of ‘the more information for consumers the better’.

So what camp are you in – do comment here, and watch the website for the chance to give your views to the consultation.