AN INDIAN restaurant has responded after their zero hygiene rating. 

Yesterday we reported that Zaika, at 8 High Street, Stonehouse, was handed a zero-out-of-five rating after assessment on December 7. 

A spokesperson for the restaurant has since sent the SNJ a statement in reaction to this. 

"In December, there was a turnover of staff due to the busy time period," read the statement sent to the SNJ. 

"On the day of the inspection, the core team had arrived late and there were some new staff members which were taken on for the Christmas rush.

"Unfortunately, the necessary checks and a robust induction was not carried out in time for the new staff members.

"The core team at Zaika, who are certified in food hygiene and safety, have been working for years in the industry and are well versed.

"They travel in from Birmingham every day but was not present at the time of the inspection.

"The additional team at Zaika was present at the time of the inspection.

"They had yet to undertake the mandatory food hygiene and safety training that it is in place for all employees.

"With guidance with the inspector; all points raised by the food hygiene inspection were addressed immediately; we requested a re-visit from the food hygiene inspection team within a few days of the inspection and are still waiting, as we expect to fulfil a higher standard of food safety which we have been providing for the last three years at Zaika.

"We take full responsibility for our delay in delivering mandatory training, though all necessary food safety training has now been implemented.

"We apologise to all existing and new customers for our practice and would like to reassure you that Zaika maintains high standards of food safety and your safety is paramount.

"Therefore, our pledge to you is that we will uphold the high levels of quality and safety as we have done so in the past.

"We understand this is news is unsettling, and in order to reinstate your confidence in Zaika we are happy to invite you to our kitchen while the restaurant is open to see our operation."