A TAKEAWAY in Stroud has been given the worst possible food hygiene rating, while 20 other businesses have also been slammed by inspectors for poor standards.

Hot Wok in Westward Road was given a zero rating –¬ which means ‘urgent improvement necessary’ – by Stroud District Council in a report published following an inspection on February 27.

While 20 other food businesses in the district were given a one out of five rating in the ‘scores on the doors’ scheme.

The reports, published on the Food Standards Agency (FSA) website, explain where the businesses failed.

At Hot Wok, the zero rating was a result of ‘major improvement’ being found to be necessary in all three inspection categories: food handling, the cleanliness and condition of facilities and the building, and the management of food safety.

When the Stroud News approached the Hot Wok for a comment, a member of staff – who said her name was Wen but wouldn't give her surname – said the takeaway was based in an old building which needed upgrading and that was part of the reason for the zero food hygiene rating.

She added: "We are taking action, as you can see, by cleaning now. We do nothing different from other Chinese takeaways."

The one rating, given to 20 businesses in the district, means that ‘major improvement’ is necessary at all of them.

Some of those 20 businesses may have been inspected again since the one rating was awarded but the new report has not yet been published on the FSA website.

The businesses listed as having a one rating on the FSA website, in alphabetical order, with the date of the inspection:

  1. Ben’s Takeaway, Old Market, Nailsworth – February 14, 2019
  2. Bengal Balti, Bath Road, Stroud – May 20, 2019
  3. Edgemoor Inn, Gloucester Road, Edge – May 2, 2019
  4. Falcon Hotel, New Street, Painswick – May 1, 2019
  5. Fresh/Carroc Catering, layby northbound on A38 Moreton Valence – September 11, 2018
  6. Gate of India, High Street, Stonehouse – September 20, 2018
  7. Greens, Market Place, Berkeley – July 20, 2018
  8. High Street Chippy, High Street, Stroud – September 19, 2018
  9. Hong Kong House, Nelson Street, Stroud – December 19, 2018
  10. J Broomhall Ltd, Alkerton Place, Alkerton, Eastington – February 14, 2019
  11. London Hotel, London Road, Stroud – September 26, 2017
  12. Manor Takeaway, Tanglewood Way, Chalford – August 1, 2018
  13. Matchplay Club, Salmon Springs Trading Estate, Cheltenham Road, Stroud – August 23, 2018
  14. Pavillion, London Road, Brimscombe – January 10, 2019
  15. The Charcoal Grill, Stag House, Giddynap Lane, Amberley – November 7, 2018
  16. The Georgian, Rowcroft, Stroud – August 10, 2018
  17. The Junction, Chipmans Platt, Stonehouse – December 11, 2018
  18. The Pizza Planet, Market Street, Wotton-Under-Edge – March 20, 2019
  19. Walkers the Bakers, Long Street Wotton-Under-Edge – August 8, 2018
  20. World Foods, Russell Street, Stroud – March 13, 2018

A Stroud District Council spokesman said it was important for customers to be aware of the food hygiene rating awarded to a business, so they can make an informed decision about where to eat.

The spokesman said: “The council’s Food Safety Officers are responsible for inspecting around 1,200 food business in the district, everything from food factories to restaurants and burger vans.

“It is estimated that around five million people suffer from food poisoning in England and Wales each year, so it is important that regular checks are made.

“Officers are able to enter and inspect food premises at all reasonable hours. They do not have to make an appointment and will usually visit a premises without giving any notice.

“Some food premises are inspected at least every six months, while others are only inspected once every five years. How often the premises are inspected will depend on the level of risk associated with the business. The risk depends upon the type of food business, the nature of the food, the degree of handling, the number and type of customers served, the design and structure of the premises and confidence in management.

“Those premises posing a higher risk to the consumer will be inspected more regularly than those premises with a low risk.”

The spokesman added: “Where practices or conditions are not satisfactory, every attempt will be made to resolve the situation by informal means, but where poor conditions persist, or where there is a risk to public health it may be necessary to resort to formal action.

“This could involve either the service of a legal notice, prosecution, or in extreme cases closure of the business. After the inspection, the officer will write to the proprietor of the food business, confirming the visit and providing details of any areas requiring attention.

“The letter will clearly state the statutory requirements that are not being complied with and what has to be done to comply with the law. Reasonable time will be given to comply, except where there is an immediate risk to public health, when other enforcement action may be taken. In addition advice on good practice will be provided.”

See

https://ratings.food.gov.uk

for the inspection results.