SAFEFOOD is launching a public awareness campaign which is encouraging Limerick

consumers to speak out if they are not satisfied with hygiene standards when eating out. The campaign also provides restaurants with guidance on how to deal with issues raised by consumers.

Martin Higgins, Chief Executive of safefood, said that "consumers are reluctant to speak out for a variety of reasons—our research reveals that a lack of confidence, concerns about how staff will react, and whether speaking out will even improve the situation are all real issues for consumers".

"We would encourage consumers not just to think it, but to say it, as good businesses will welcome feedback from their customers and respond appropriately."

The authority’s research has revealed that 53% of consumers feel reluctant to speak out if they are unhappy about poor hygiene standards while 62% of consumers will not return to the food establishment if they experience poor food hygiene standards and will generally tell others about their bad experience.

"With four out of five adults eating out in restaurants, consumers can play a significant role in helping to raise and maintain hygiene standards by speaking out. By knowing when customers have concerns about hygiene, restaurants can improve their business and if the issue is handled well customers will not only be likely to come back, but will also tell others of their good experience," said Mr Higgins.

"There are concerns over the sustained level of Enforcement Orders issued to the catering trade with last month having the highest number of closure orders served since February 2007. The entire catering industry has a responsibility to meet the highest possible food safety and hygiene standards and consumers can play a part in raising and maintaining these standards by speaking out if they are not satisfied with what they see, or experience. By working together with restaurants and the wider catering industry, we can ensure those high standards continue to be met."

The ‘Speak Out’ campaign also provides restaurants with an information pack and promotional materials containing guidance, advice and information on how to deal effectively with issues raised by customers, how to respond and how to make an appropriate redress to them.

For more information, see www.safefood.eu.