A branch of a leading supermarket chain has been given a zero food hygiene rating. Concerns were raised over food handling and safety at the Linthorpe Road branch of The Co-op in Middlesbrough.
Middlesbrough Council inspectors found poor standards across a range of areas including food handling and preparation. It ordered a range of major and urgent improvements to be made, reports Teesside Live.
The branch has said it is "disappointed" with the rating. It said steps had been taken to improve the store back to its previous "excellent" rating.
Food safety officers visited the store on July 25 this year to carry out an inspection into the food safety standards. A report found issues across a number of areas and ordered improvements to be carried out.
It said major improvements were needed on hygienic food handling including preparation, cooking, re-heating, cooling and storage. Major improvements were also needed on its management of food safety.
Urgent improvement was necessary on the cleanliness and condition of facilities and the building. This looked at areas such as having appropriate layout, ventilation, hand washing facilities and pest control to enable good food hygiene.
A spokesperson for the Co-op said: “Co-op goes to great lengths to ensure the cleanliness and hygiene of all its stores, making sure we meet the highest standards is a number one priority. We take pride in meeting those high standards and are disappointed with the rating received by our store on this occasion - which does not meet the previous ‘excellent’ rating awarded to the store.
"Steps have been taken to ensure our usual high standards are met, and the store is trading and open to serve the community.” A new inspection can be carried out to try to improve the rating if the store requests it.
For more stories from where you live, visit InYourArea
