“They will also be looking at pest control"
Over 30 Indian restaurants and takeaways have been given a one or zero rating for hygiene standards.
Carried out by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) since February 2014, the rating system helps you choose where to eat out or shop for food by providing clear information about the businesses’ hygiene standards.
The scheme runs in partnership with local authorities in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Ratings are out of five.
A one means major improvement is necessary while zero – which is the lowest rating that can be given – means urgent improvement is required.
A spokesperson for FSA said: “The local authority food enforcement officers test a number of different things.
“They will be looking at the general maintenance of the building.
“They will also be looking at pest control as well as cross-contamination and food being stored correctly – is raw meat being stored separately from cooked meat, is chilled food kept chilled and hot food kept hot, are sinks blocked?
“It’s not as simple as pass/fail and this is why we have the different categories.”
The businesses that receive a low or zero rating can be due to a number of factors including an infestation of vermin, unclean kitchens, and ‘unhygienic handling of food’.
But it is unlikely that they will be closed down.
Instead, hygiene improvements must be made, with more frequent visits from local authority officers to help deal with the situation.
Only if there is an imminent risk to public health can a business face closure.
In Birmingham, many of the Indian restaurants and takeaways with low hygiene ratings are located on Alum Rock Road and Coventry Road.
A spokesperson for Birmingham City Council said:
“We take pride in working in co-operation with food businesses in Birmingham and are able to offer support to some of our poorest performing businesses, to help improve their food hygiene standards.
“Birmingham City Council continues to work cooperatively with food businesses but will always, when required, take appropriate enforcement action to protect consumers and public health.”
Here is a complete list of the Indian restaurants in Birmingham that have received a one or zero rating.
One
- Akbars Catering, Aston
- Al Mustafa, Showell Green Lane
- Al Rahma Cafeteria, Whitmore Road
- Amma Dosa, Selly Oak
- Aziz Cafe, Sparkbrook
- Azure Cafe, Highgate Road
- Cafe Balti, Sheldon
- Chaska and Chaii, Ladypool Road
- Imlees, Alcester Road
- Khyber Restaurant & Takeaway, Alum Rock Road
- Koh-I-Nur Kebab House, Dudley Road
- Lala Gee, Alum Rock Road
- Light Of Bengal Tandoori Restaurant, College Road
- Mishtidesh, South Yardley
- Modern Restaurant & Cafee, Aston
- Namak Mandi, South Yardley
- Nouka, Tangmere Square
- Omar Khayam Restaurant, South Weoley
- Parantha Corner, Boulton Road
- Pshou Takeaway, Soho Road
- Raj Mahal, Tyburn
- Sabi’s Kitchen, Great Hampton Row
- Sangam (Veg) Restaurant, Soho Road
- Shahi Masala, Burney Lane
- Sundus Sweets, Whitmore Road
- The Spice Merchant, King’s Heath
- Tiffin Guys, Drayton Road
Zero
- Bilash Restaurant, Kingstanding Road
- Cafe Raznur, South Yardley
- Desi Dera, Alum Rock Road
- K7 Kitchens & Dessert, Handsworth Wood
- New Lahore Kebab House, Alum Rock Road
- The Original Karahi King, Hall Green
The above Birmingham restaurants and takeaways potentially close monitoring by the FSA in order to help improve their hygiene standards.