Gainsborough: Town take away has boosted its hygiene from a 0 to a 4

A Gainsborough takeaway has managed to turns its 0 food hygiene rating into a four after its latest inspection.

Last November, the Standard revealed that Leons, in Church Street, Gainsborough, scored a 0 afters its inspection in July.

The food hygiene ratings, known as Scores on the Doors, aim to highlight hygiene standards in pubs, restaurants, takeaways and clubs across the borough.

But after its last inspection in December, Leons has now been rated 4 out of 5.

Leon Cox, owner of Leons, a fish and chip shop, said the reason for the initial low rating was down to his lack of an audit trail.

Leon said: “The work needed to improve the rating was done ages ago but it takes a while for them to come back with a new rating.”

“I have always been happy.”

“There were no issues, I just need to keep my paper records.”

“I am getting into the habit of doing them now as it is necessary now.”

A West Lindsey District Council Spokesman said: “West Lindsey District Council takes hygiene and food safety seriously.”

“The National Food Hygiene Rating Scheme helps to promote high performing businesses and enables consumers to make informed choices.”

“The hygiene rating shows how closely the business is meeting the requirements of food hygiene law.”

“Ratings are based on how the food is handled, the condition and cleanliness of the premises, how food is kept safe and the management of the business – which includes good record keeping.”

“This encourages businesses to maintain the highest standards of food hygiene ensuring the best quality for residents and food hygiene officers work closely with businesses to ensure high standards.”

The food safety officer inspecting a business checks how well the business is meeting the law by looking at how hygienically the food is handled, how it is prepared, cooked, re-heated, cooled and store, the condition of the structure of the buildings, the cleanliness, layout, lighting, ventilation and other facilities and how the business manages and records what it does to make sure food is safe.