Council claims it has “zero tolerance approach” on hygiene after borough ranks bottom for Food Standards Agency ratings with an average score of 3.77 out of five, reports James Cracknell
Waltham Forest’s cafes, restaurants and takeaways have the lowest average hygiene ratings in the whole of the UK, a new report shows.
High Speed Training analysed Food Standards Agency (FSA) data for over 218,000 food businesses across England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales and found that food establishments in Waltham Forest scored 3.77 out of five for hygiene on average, against a London average of 4.34.
The best local area for food hygiene was found to be Southport in Merseyside, where there was an average score of 4.92. The top spot in London went to Kensington and Chelsea, with 4.78.
High Speed Training’s report also found that almost one in four takeaways (24%) across London scored three or below for their food hygiene rating, and that 82% of premises held a four or a five for their rating.
The Food Hygiene Rating Scheme (FHRS) is a partnership with local authorities that aims to provide customers with information as to how well a business is upholding food hygiene and safety standards. Following regular inspections, ratings are devised based on the standard of food handling hygiene, the physical condition of the premises and facilities and food safety management practices.
These ratings are then made available on the FSA website and are usually visible from outside of the premises, often presented in a window near the entrance.
In Wales and Northern Ireland, it is compulsory for businesses to display their food hygiene rating. However, in England it is currently just considered best practice.
Waltham Forest Council holds responsibility for food hygiene at business premises in the borough and employs a team of inspectors to enforce standards and in some cases prosecute owners who do not comply.
Khevyn Limbajee, the council’s cabinet member for community safety, said: “Our food and safety team work incredibly hard to make sure that all restaurants and food outlets across the borough adhere to appropriate hygiene standards, protecting everyone who wants to eat out safely in our borough.
“The High Speed Training rating comparison of councils reflects the zero-tolerance approach the council rightly takes with food businesses who do not comply with their legal requirements and put residents’ health at risk. It shows we do not hesitate to use the full range of powers at our disposal. We close and prosecute about 50 business a year due to poor hygiene, food safety management and pest problems – historically this is more than most other London boroughs.
“There are around 2,000 registered food businesses in the borough and I’m pleased to say that the vast majority (85%) take their responsibilities seriously, achieving a rating of three or higher under the national Food Hygiene Rating Scheme. But the council will always take consistent enforcement action against any food business, whether large or small, based on the findings and risks identified during food hygiene inspections.
“This was demonstrated recently when we successfully prosecuted McDonald’s Restaurant Ltd after a rodent infestation was discovered at its branch on High Road, Leytonstone, where the court imposed a fine of £475,000.
“We always encourage people to check the food ratings of where they are going to eat on the FSA (Food Standards Agency) website.”
Dr Richard Anderson, head of learning and development at High Speed Training, said: “One of the biggest responsibilities as a food establishment is ensuring that food safety and hygiene practices are thorough and up to date.
“This is why it’s so important for customers to check FHRS ratings – they are a direct reflection of how safely and hygienically that establishment operates.
“Our report shows that, on average, standards remain high across the UK, and have slightly improved from 2022. For businesses that perform well, a high rating is a real selling point. However, establishments with a low hygiene rating can be extremely off-putting for customers, which ultimately have a significant impact on reputation and profitability.
“Correct food hygiene training for staff, alongside robust food management procedures and everyday good practices are crucial to keep performing at high standards.”
View the High Speed Training report in full:
Visit highspeedtraining.co.uk/hub/food-hygiene-ratings-report-2023
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