12 outlets get zero food rating

Figures from the FSA’s website show takeaways and pubs have been listed as needing ‘urgent improvement’.

The Food Hygiene Rating Scheme is run by the Food Standard Agency in partnership with local authorities.

Environmental officers have the right to enter a food business and carry out an inspection without the need to make an appointment and the majority of inspections are unannounced.

Officers look at three factors: whether food is prepared hygienically, whether the building is fit for purpose and how well food safety records are kept.

Afterwards a rating between zero and five is given, with zero being the worst and five the best.

The ratings are published on the FSA website and it is not compulsory for outlets to display their scores.

Of the district’s 3,391 food businesses, 12 were given a zero rating, including three in Cleckheaton and one in Dewsbury.

Coun Kath Pinnock (Lib Dem, Cleck) advised residents to avoid outlets which do not display their hygiene rating.

She said: “A rating of zero means it is dyer and there could be a big danger of things like food poisoning.

“The majority of take aways and cafes in Cleckheaton have got good ratings. There are not many below a score of three.

“Everyone should be displaying their hygiene ratings so people know what they are buying.”