Many of us have come across unsettling stories on local social media- beloved eateries receiving zero-star food hygiene ratings. Such revelations can be shocking and often lead to a loss of trust in these establishments. But what exactly contributes to such poor ratings??
In the UK, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) operates the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme, assessing businesses on their handling of food, cleanliness, and management of food safety. Ratings range from 0, indicating urgent improvement is necessary, to 5, signifying very good hygiene standards. ?
While issues like pest infestations and unclean premises are obvious culprits, many establishments are marked down due to inadequate hygiene management systems. This includes improper documentation, lack of staff training, and insufficient food safety protocols. For instance, failure to maintain proper records of food storage temperatures or neglecting regular equipment maintenance can significantly impact ratings. ?
Regular deep cleaning of kitchen facilities and extraction systems plays a pivotal role in maintaining high hygiene standards. Beyond ensuring a sanitary environment, it helps prevent pest infestations and ensures compliance with health regulations.?
Liam Hodgson, Client Service Manager at BCS, emphasises, “Regular deep cleaning not only upholds hygiene standards but also alleviates the burden on your staff, allowing them to focus on delivering excellent service and culinary experiences.”?
Investing in professional deep cleaning services is not merely about passing inspections; it’s about protecting your hard-earned reputation, ensuring the safety of your customers, and helping your team do what they do best. Most importantly, it helps make sure your restaurant isn’t the next shocking post doing the rounds on Facebook for all the wrong reasons.
