A SHOCKING number of of food outlets including those selling meat, takeaways and supermarkets in Thornton Heath have received thee lowest possible hygiene ratings according to the Food Standards Agency.

Five have received food zero ratings, a further nine scraped a one and five scored just two stars after being inspected during the last year.

Croydon’s food safety team carries out a risk-based programme of food-hygiene inspections to ensure that food sold to the public is safe to consume.

Croydon Council officers, on behalf of the Food Standards Agency, looked at the restaurant’s hygienic food handling, management of food safety, and the cleanliness and condition of the building during the inspection.

The scheme gives businesses a rating from 0 to 5 after being judged on the handling of food, how food is stored and prepared, cleanliness of facilities and how food safety is managed. When going out to eat, it’s important to know that the food you’re eating is cooked safely and hygienically.

All information is courtesy of the Food Standards Agency, who run the ratings scheme.