It is exactly 20 years since the first Scores on the Doors council launched and some of the original members of the user group got together at the Champagne bar in St Pancras today to celebrate.

The last time we met up there was to celebrate the success of the 5 star scheme being adopted by the Food Standards Agency in preference to the recommendation of a 0-3 star scheme.

Although we are all slimmer and better looking than we were then, none of us can forget the momentum the group achieved and the benefits in improved compliance that have resulted from the initiative.

Compliance up over 60% at the 5 star level; today 77% of consumers use the scheme to inform decision on where to eat.

The FHRS has been phenominally successful, having grown out of that original launch of Scores on the Doors back in November 2005 with just 32 premises. Today, every registered food business is on the site – over 600,000.

After 15 years it’s time the FHRS is reviewed so as to remain relevant. And whilst Wales and Northern Ireland have had compulsory display of stickers for over 10 years, sadly the work on progressing this in England remains paused by FSA.

Our wish is for the most significant initiative in Food Hygiene compliance ever, to continue to evolve and adapt, to the benefit of all consumers.

Best wishes from PaulH, Carol, Christian, Lisa and all the the many contributors over the years who were not able to join today.