”Hey waiter, there’s a fly in my soup!”
These are words the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa hopes not to hear again.
The country’s restaurant sector now has its first-ever grading system specifically designed for the industry.
”We have launched the system and are busy creating awareness among restaurateurs,” council director Salifou Siddo said on Tuesday.
Siddo said the grading is voluntary, and intends to assure quality in the food and beverage sector. Customers should be confident that an establishment will provide service commensurate with its grading.
One star means acceptable, with all basic hygiene standards met. A five-star establishment will match best international practice.
Siddo said there has been much consultation with the industry over the past 18 months to fine-tune the grading system.
Between 2001 and 2004, the council graded the accommodation sector, looking at hotels, bed-and-breakfast establishments, country and game lodges, and guest houses.
Siddo said the council will consider grading tourist transport services, such as buses, as well as travel agencies.
Golf courses and hiking trails have also approached the council to be graded. — Sapa