A BUTCHERS has been given the lowest possible hygiene rating by inspectors.

Brazilian Centre in Church Road, Hove, was given a “zero” rating after an inspection from Brighton and Hove City Council in November. 

It is one of only two outlets in the city which has currently holds the rating by health inspectors.

The butchers and groceries store was told that major improvement was necessary to its hygienic handling of food and cleanliness and condition of facilities and building.

Hygienic food handling includes preparation, cooking, re-heating, cooling and storage.

Cleanliness and condition of facilities and building includes having appropriate layout, ventilation, hand washing facilities and pest control to enable good food hygiene.

It was also told that urgent improvement to its management of food safety was needed. 

This includes ensuring that system or checks in place to ensure that food sold or served is safe to eat and evidence that staff know about food safety.

It also includes whether the food safety officer has confidence that standards will be maintained in future

A spokesman for the Brazilian Centre said: “Our rating ‘0’ is a simple question to answer.

“This has nothing to do with the handling of our products or the quality of the services we provide on our shop. 

“The problem was with the basement which is under refurbishment.

“It has been under restoration and in the process of maintenance repairs.

“For this reason, some parts of the store did not meet Food Safety Agency standards.

“Repairs will be completed next month.

“Brighton Council officials will re-inspect in January to review everything that has been repaired and give us a proper rating. 

“The city of Brighton and Hove is an important location us. 

“For this reason, we started the restoration to improve our services to our customers, this is a commitment we have to the community. Always provide great services and quality products.”

The only other outlet to currently hold the lowest rating is Shogun Ramen in Prince Albert Street, Brighton.

It was given the rating in December, 2018.