The Official Guide to the UK’s Quality Fish and Chip Shops, the fish and chip industry equivalent of the Michelin Star Guide, has once again been published by the National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF).

Fish and chips are still celebrated as the UK’s favourite meal which see roughly around 382 million meals from fish and chip shops eaten every year within Britain. Fish and chip lovers can enjoy quality fish and chips stretching from Shetland in Scotland to the Isle of Wight off the South Coast of England and many places in between.

NFFF President, Andrew Crook said “Next year fish and chips will be celebrating 160 years of being the UK national dish. Fish and chips remain a firm favourite with consumers, be it an easy meal on a Friday to a treat at the seaside, fish and chips are promoted by many independent operators who are continuously improving standards within the industry.”

All shops listed in the Guide are participants in the NFFF Quality Award scheme. This scheme identifies fish and chip outlets that have undergone a thorough assessment of the premises and equipment, the working practices, hygiene standards and management controls, together with the quality and taste of the fish and chips.

This scheme sets the benchmark for quality within the industry.  It will signal to the consumer that they can buy with confidence where the logo is displayed, and it will encourage more outlets to raise their standards.

The Quality Award scheme is organised and run by the National Federation of Fish Friers (NFFF), the trade body that represents the nation’s fish and chip shops. The scheme as a way of raising standards within the industry together with raising the profile of those who produce a great end product.

On the NFFF Quality Award Andrew Crook, said "The NFFF Quality Award showcases the leading fish and chip takeaways across the land, the shops that we all love to buy our fish supper from. The NFFF Fish & Chip Quality Award assessment is extremely comprehensive. Food safety is a key area that we examine together with other key aspects of the business including the preparation and cooking equipment, to the management of paperwork and the traceability of fish.

Achieving the NFFF Fish & Chip Quality Award provides reassurance to customers that they are being served delicious food using high-quality ingredients. We encourage anyone who loves fish and chips to look out for the 'BIG Q' Quality Award sign in the shop window."

To find out if your preferred shop has made the ‘Official Guide to the UK’s Quality Fish and Chip shops’ please visit FishandChipGuide.com.