Takeaway restaurants fail hygiene test with clothing a major problem

Official figures put out by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) have suggested that people could be seriously risking their health by using certain branches of some well-known fast food chains.

According to data from local authorities obtained by the FSA, some of the most popular takeaway restaurants are failing hygiene inspections.

From having mouse droppings on shelves to not wearing the right protective clothing, there are worrying breaches all over the country.

Under the inspections, the food safety officers rate a business to see how hygienically food is handled, how it is kept safe and the environmental conditions. Businesses are scored out of five.

In London however, three sites scored zero out of five.

These were a Domino's Pizza restaurant in London, where shelving, kitchen equipment and preparation surfaces were found with mouse droppings; a Burger King with various pest issues and a KFC with undisclosed issues.

In other areas of the country, some Wimpy, Papa John’s Pizza and McDonalds restaurants were found to be wanting.

Overall, chicken Cottage got the lowest hygiene score.

Other issues that were found included the lack of dating food in chillers. Not having any soap in the hand wash area was another issue – suggesting to inspectors that it was unlikely clean hands were being used to prepare or serve food to customers.

Similarly, at another restaurant, food safety officers were concerned that preparation areas did not seem to provide suitable workwear to protect staff or prevent the contamination of food.