ALMOST 100 complaints about the cleanliness of restaurants and takeaways were submitted to Burnley Council last year.

Figures from the council showed the number of complaints made to its Food Safety Team increased from 54 in 2014/15, to 94 in 2015/16. In 2012/13, 52 complaints were made with only 37 the following year.

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Other figures showed the council took on 261 food-related hygiene questions, an increase from 244 the previous year.

Recently eight food outlets in Burnley ranging from takeaways, restaurants and pubs were given a one-star hygiene rating by the The Food Hygiene Rating Scheme (FHRS). The scheme helps consumers choose where to buy meals by giving them information and rating hygiene.

It looks at how hygienically food is handed, the condition of the buildings and how the business manages and records what it does to make sure food is safe.

An environmental health spokesman said complaints can range from minor to more serious situations. He said: “All complaints are looked into and dealt with appropriately. We can say that every complaint is fully investigated in an appropriate manner. This can include site inspections, and any necessary action is taken.

“People can make complaints through the Food Standards Agency website or by contacting the council’s environmental health team directly.”

A Burnley Council spokesman said food hygiene faces a variety of challenges, including, reduced staff and economic downturn.

He said: “Local economic deprivation is reflected in the reluctance of some smaller local food businesses to invest in repairs and refurbishment of their premises.

“It is important to understand the cultural issues and needs of the ethnic minorities who operate food businesses in the borough and whose first language may not be English.

“We want to promote good practice in food hygiene through the provision of education, advice and training.”

The environmental health spokesman said: “Not every complaint warrants or requires a site visit – but if we feel one is appropriate we will go out and carry out an inspection.

“The number of complaints has risen for a number of reasons. This includes the launch of the Food Standards Agency (FSA) complaints website. It is now easier to raise a complaint."