B1 – Intermediate
Food hygiene ratings ensure that the businesses in the food industry such as restaurants and supermarkets follow the food safety standards. In the UK, these ratings are given by the Food Standards Agency or FSA.
A BBC undercover investigation discovered that there are many businesses in England and Wales that are not showing their real food hygiene ratings.
Listen to this audio and read the transcript about some businesses lying about their food hygiene ratings. Be ready to answer the questions that follow.
https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/restaurants-lie-about-food-hygiene-level-3
Vocabulary Questions:
- Define “undercover”. “An undercover BBC investigation revealed that many businesses in England and Wales have displayed inaccurate food hygiene ratings.“ Use this word in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.
- What does “rating” mean? “These food hygiene ratings, provided by the Food Standards Agency (FSA), are meant to ensure customers that food safety standards are met.” Use this word in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.
- What does “misleading” mean? “Food safety experts believe this is a widespread problem across the UK, with multiple places misleading the public about their hygiene standards.” Use this word in a sentence. Give a synonym or similar expression.
Discussion Questions:
- What comes to your mind when you hear the word “rating”?
- Share your reaction to and opinion about this news.
- Do you have a similar food hygiene rating system in your country? Do you care about this or not? Why?
- Why is it important for businesses to meet food safety standards?
- What should be the penalty for businesses who lie about their food hygiene ratings displayed outside their stores?
2 replies on “Restaurants Lie about Food Hygiene”
1. What comes to your mind when you hear “rating”?
Well, when I hear the word ranking, the words come to mind are score, reviews or evaluations.
2. Share your reaction to and opinion about this news.
Well, my reaction to this news is that it’s truly worrying and dangerous that some restaurants deceive consumers by selling poor-quality or spoiled products. I believe this is detrimental to the health of all consumers, and we shouldn’t allow it. I encourage people to file more complaints with restaurants.
3.Do you have a similar food hygiene rating system in your country? Do you care about this or not? Why?
I know that Spain has a food hygiene rating system, but I don’t know if it’s similar to this system. And yes, it’s very important to us.
4. Why is it important for businesses to meet food safety standards?.
Well, for me it’s important for several reasons. The first is that evaluations or inspections help prevent foodborne illnesses, allergies, and other health risks. Another reason is that complying with these standards generates confidence in consumers, who know they’re buying safe, quality products. And the last is the brand’s reputation.
5. What should be the penalty for businesses who lie about their food hygiene ratings displayed outside their stores?
For companies that lie about the food hygiene ratings they display outside their stores, they should be high enough to impact the company financially and prevent them from repeating the violation. The violation should be publicly disseminated so consumers are informed and avoid going to that restaurant.
You are doing a good job practicing your writing consistently. Keep going.
You may use this phrase better for this sentence:
Until your next post!