Following a recent round of inspections, a total of 66 food businesses in the West of England have been given a zero food hygiene rating – the very worst rating it is possible to get.
The shocking results of the inspections were uncovered by the BBC Inside Out programme, but the ratings of all food businesses in the UK are available to view online. It is currently optional for businesses to display their rating on their premises.
The worst offenders were found to be in Bath and north-east Somerset, as well as in Wiltshire, as 11 premises in each received the zero rating. This rating means that “urgent improvement” is needed in areas such as cleanliness of equipment and premises, food hygiene training for staff, food storage methods and equipment, temperature control and the food safety management system in general.
Businesses with zero ratings can remain open to the public, but they must work closely with the Food Standards Agency (FSA) and their local council to make the required improvements or they will face further action. This could include prosecution, fines or the closing down of the business completely.
