A total of 185 out of the first 1,200 businesses tested under a new restaurant inspection and disclosure scheme in Glasgow, Scotland, received an ‘Improvement Required’ certificate.

The Evening Times reports that health inspectors suggest to owners that their certificates should be publicly displayed in their premise, although businesses are not required by law to do so.

Which is sorta against the point of disclosure schemes.

Peter Midgley, Head of Enforcement for Scotland at the Food Standards Authority, said the information means diners can make informed choices about where to eat, adding

“It is the owners’ choice if they display their certificate but usually if certificates are being displayed in nearby restaurants, other owners follow.”

Usually, but not always, especially for those diners with lousy inspection results. The system is flawed – make disclosure mandatory.

The hygiene status for businesses in Merchant City, City Centre, Anderston, Woodlands, Yorkhill, Hillhead, Dowanhill and Hyndland are available at www.glasgow.gov.uk/en/Business/Protection/FoodSafety/FoodHygieneInformationScheme