Concerned about where you're eating in Reading? Recent food hygiene inspections have revealed some concerning scores, and it's essential to be informed about the safety standards of local eateries. The Food Standards Agency is the official body that assesses food businesses, using a rating system from 0 to 5, where 0 signifies the worst and 5 the best. Let's delve into the establishments that have received the lowest ratings in Reading since August. These places have been inspected by the local council and have been found to be lacking in their hygiene practices.
First up, we have establishments that received a rating of one star, meaning 'Major improvement necessary'.
- Biryanish, located at 92 Oxford Road, RG1 7LJ, was inspected on September 19 and received a one-star rating. While their food handling and safety procedures were deemed 'Generally satisfactory', the cleanliness of their facilities required 'Major improvement'.
- Hudsons, at Havergate Way, RG2 0GU, also received a one-star rating after an inspection on August 12. They scored 'Generally satisfactory' in food handling and facilities, but their food safety procedures needed 'Major improvement'.
- Lois Afro Shop, at 273 Oxford Road, RG1 7PY, received a one-star rating following an inspection on September 24. They scored 'Generally satisfactory' for food handling, 'Improvement necessary' for facilities, and 'Major improvement necessary' for food safety procedures.
- Rap Cafe, located at Regus 200 Brook Drive Green Park, RG2 6UB, also received a one-star rating from an inspection on September 12. Their facilities were 'Generally satisfactory', but food handling required 'Improvement', and food safety procedures needed 'Major improvement'.
- Stir Fry Caversham, at 36a Church Street, RG4 8AU, received a one-star rating after an inspection on August 2. They scored 'Generally satisfactory' for their facilities, 'Improvement necessary' for food handling, and 'Major improvement necessary' for food safety procedures.
- The Moderation, at 213 Caversham Road, RG1 8BB, received a one-star rating after an inspection on September 24. Their food safety procedures were 'Generally satisfactory', but their food handling and the cleanliness of their facilities required 'Major improvement'.
Now, let's look at the establishments that received a rating of two stars, which also indicates that 'Improvement is necessary'.
- Best One, located at 1a Nire Road, RG1 5LT, received a two-star rating after an inspection on September 23. They scored 'Generally satisfactory' for facilities and food safety procedures, but 'Improvement necessary' for food handling.
- House of Doner Reading, at 3 Broad Street, RG1 2BH, received a two-star rating after an inspection on September 29. They scored 'Generally satisfactory' in food handling and food safety procedures, but their facilities needed 'Improvement'.
- Finally, Karak Chai & Coffee, at 94 Broad Street, RG1 2AP, also received a two-star rating from an inspection on September 3. They scored 'Generally satisfactory' in food handling and food safety procedures, and 'Improvement necessary' for food handling.
But here's where it gets controversial... These ratings are based on three key areas: food handling, cleanliness of the building and facilities, and food safety procedures. And this is the part most people miss... While a low score doesn't necessarily mean the food is unsafe, it does indicate that improvements are needed to ensure the highest standards of hygiene.
What do you think? Are you surprised by any of these ratings? Do you think the current rating system is effective in informing the public? Share your thoughts in the comments below!**
