Foodies are being encouraged to check the hygiene ratings of their favourite restaurants to avoid food poisoning at Christmas.
The Food Hygiene Rating Scheme awards stars to food outlets judged by their hygiene standards, based on inspections carried out by Brighton and Hove City Council.
Three city food outlets received the lowest zero star rating.
Takeaway Sing Li Fish Bar in Guildford Road, Tiffany’s café in North Road, and Wing Hing takeaway in County Oak Road, were all told “urgent improvement” was needed.
However, the outlook at the city’s restaurants, bars and cafes is promising, as 1,365 were awarded the maximum five stars – a slight improvement from 1,311 in April when the national rating scheme was introduced.
Councillor Pete West, chairman of the council’s Environment and Sustainability Committee, said: “We have a fantastic selection of places to eat out in Brighton and Hove and, if you are eating out over the festive period, it makes sense to look before you book and check out the food hygiene rating.”
Check ratings
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has launched a mobile phone app so people can check the hygiene ratings of local businesses while they are on the move.
Catriona Stewart, head of the food hygiene ratings team at the FSA, added: “No one wants to gamble with their health when eating out, particularly when celebrating a special festive meal.
"Local authorities, including Brighton and Hove, have worked with the FSA to successfully roll out the scheme which helps people choose where to eat.
"Our app makes it even easier for people to check hygiene ratings before deciding which place to visit.”
You can check the rating online at www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/hygienerating or www.food.gov.uk/ratings, via a free phone app, or look for the distinctive green and black rating sticker that businesses are encouraged to display.
Current ratings in Brighton & Hove
Zero stars – three food outlets
One star – 108 food outlets
Two stars – 92 food outlets
Three stars – 276 food outlets
Four stars – 571 food outlets
Five stars – 1, 365 food outlets
See the latest news headlines from The Argus:
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel