Lord Rooker and school kids celebrate foodie ‘high fives’

Lord Rooker, now Chair of the Food Standards Agency, will address more than 100 delegates at the Town Hall event on Wednesday 14th March. All represent those businesses - takeaways, restaurants and schools among them - which have been awarded a five-rating by the Borough Council's Environmental Health team.

The Council adopted the Food Standards Agency's rating system last year and Councillor Neil Macdonald, Safer Ipswich portfolio-holder, said: "From restaurants and takeaways to hospitals and colleges, our new online guide 'Ipswich Top Rated' lists those businesses with the very highest standards in food hygiene. This guide also has information to assist businesses gain and maintain a top rating. I am pleased to be able to recognise the efforts of local businesses in such a positive way."

One of Ipswich's five-rated schools is Sidegate Primary and staff were praised by two of the governors, Borough Councillors Alasdair Ross and Judy Terry.

Councillor Ross said: " Our staff in our kitchen have always done their upmost to provide fantastic food for both staff and pupils, so it is great they have achieved top marks for food hygiene."

Councillor Terry added: "Introducing young people to good, healthy, food at an early stage is essential to their future wellbeing in so many ways and this has been a priority at the school for many years. Top marks are well deserved and I congratulate the head and the whole catering team."

Another five-star establishment is Suffolk New College. The Principal, Professor Dave Muller, said: "Our students are the chefs of the future. They have learnt to maintain high standards and will take them into the hospitality industry. The award is a reflection of the high standards which both The Granary and Shelley's Restaurant demonstrate on a daily basis."

The event is at the Town Hall on Wednesday 14th March at 3pm. The media is invited to attend.

A copy of the 'Ipswich Top Rated' Guide can be downloaded here.