Low-score food premises shamed in hygiene check

8:45pm Monday 7th July 2008

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More than 160 restaurants, takeaways and shops in Kingston are selling food in below-standard hygiene conditions, according to environmental health officers.

Among the premises named and shamed were Asda in London Road, Kingston's main post office in Eden Street and Tolworth Infants and Junior School, which all scored a one-star ratings in their most recent inspections.

Of the 763 food premises inspected in Kingston, 36 got the worst zero-star rating, meaning they have "little or no understanding of food safety" and do not meet hygiene laws. A further 139 scored a one-star rating.

Five businesses were given formal cautions in the past financial year because their food hygiene was so bad, including Samir's kebab shop in Apple Market, Europa Fried Chicken and the Queen's Head, both in Richmond Road, Barcadia in Clarence Street, and the Genghis Khan Korean restaurant in New Malden.

Munch in Penrhyn Road was taken to court in October last year and Golden Cave pizza delivery in New Malden closed voluntarily after a poor inspection.

The inspections are carried out at intervals between six months and three years, depending on restaurants' previous record and risk level.

Every business is given a star rating between zero and five, with all results published online.

Asda fared badly in its May 21 inspection this year because of a lack of care in the hot meats and delicatessen section.

A spokeswoman said its had since "retrained and re-briefed" all its staff.

Tolworth Junior and Infants School scored a one-star rating in its last inspection in May 2007 for not having hand washing facilities for catering staff.

Headteacher Cathy Clarke said the kitchen was in an out-dated building and due for refurbishment.