McDonald’s says it will address food hygiene concerns at its Barrow restaurant “with the utmost importance and urgency”.
The McDonald’s at 148-150 Dalton Road, Barrow-in Furness, has been given a one-star food hygiene rating, and has been told that ‘major improvement is necessary’ to appease health inspectors.
McDonald’s comment:
A spokesperson from McDonald’s told the Local Democracy Reporting Service:
We are aware of this rating change and are addressing the matters identified by the environmental health officer (EHO) with the utmost importance and urgency.”
This rating does not reflect the high standards of hygiene and cleanliness that this restaurant strives to uphold.
We will be requesting a revisit at the EHO’s earliest convenience so that the rating can be reassessed.
Inspection found major improvements needed immediately
According to the government’s food rating website, the inspection took place on September 26.
Inspectors from Westmorland & Furness Council found that improvements need to be made immediately on hygienic food handling including preparation, cooking, re-heating, cooling and storage.
They also took umbrage with the cleanliness and condition of the facilities and the building, including having appropriate layout, ventilation, hand washing facilities and pest control.
Finally, inspectors found that ‘major improvement is necessary’ in the management of food safety – including the system or checks in place to ensure that food sold or served is safe to eat, evidence that staff know about food safety, and the food safety officer has confidence that standards will be maintained in future.
Officers don’t need an appointment do checks
The food hygiene rating goes from zero (urgent improvement is required) to five (hygiene standards are very good).
Officers have the right to enter and inspect food premises at any reasonable time and will usually arrive without making an appointment.
Restaurateurs can appeal if they disagree with the rating.
In England, businesses are not legally required to display their hygiene rating, although it is highly encouraged.
The other McDonald’s in Barrow was given five stars
The other McDonald’s in Barrow, at Unit M Hollywood Park at Hindpool Road, has a 5* food hyigene rating rating.
Written by Local Democracy reporter Kieran Molloy.
