HYNDBURN has been revealed as one of the worst areas for takeaway food hygiene in the country, while Pendle and the Ribble Valley rated among the best.

In a survey of the 355 local authorities, Hyndburn had the highest proportion of zero graded takeaways and sandwich shops.

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The grading means they need urgent improvement.

Nine of the borough’s 105 takeaways and sandwich shops achieved the lowest possible rating.

In total 41 failed to achieve a ‘generally satisfactory’ rating of three or higher, just over 39 per cent, which was the second highest proportion out of all the council areas.

Hyndburn Council leader, Cllr Miles Parkinson, said the ratings showed the rigour and strictness of food hygiene ratings across the borough.

He said: “It shows that there are fantastic food testing standards in Hyndburn and it sends the message that there are high standards and testing will be stringent.

“In Hyndburn we will be strong in enforcing food safety measures and we will make sure of it.

“People know they need to improve, but the last thing we want is places getting four and five star ratings and making a mockery of the system.”

In contrast Ribble Valley and Pendle had no businesses which received lower than a ‘generally satisfactory’ rating of three.

Pendle Council leader, Cllr Mohammed Iqbal, said: “I’m very pleased that clearly our establishments are all up to standards and I would like to congratulate those that are running the businesses.

“As a council we look to help our business meet the standards and we have a zero tolerance attitude to those who fall foul of the standards. The safety of the public is paramount.”

In Burnley, just four of its 131 takeaways failed to reach the ‘generally satisfactory’ rating equating to just over three per cent, while in Rossendale five of its 72 businesses failed to meet the level, almost seven per cent.

Neither borough had any takeaways or sandwich shops which received a zero rating.

In Blackburn with Darwen, 17 of its 185 takeaways and sandwich shops received the grade two rating of ‘improvement necessary’ food hygiene rating or lower.

The Ribble Valley also had 48 of its 50 shops given a four or five rating by the government food agency.

Deputy leader of Ribble Valley Council, Cllr Terry Hill, said: “I think it’s fantastic news. I think it reflects the quality of the eating establishments and sandwich shops we have in the Ribble Valley.

“The Ribble Valley likes to think of itself as the food centre of Lancashire and it shows people can come here with confidence.”

The study was carried out by LoveMyVouchers.co.uk using data collected by the Food Standards Agency.

Full ratings https://www.lovemyvouchers.co.uk/lifestyle/takeaway-food-hygiene-study/