The FSA’s hygiene ratings provide customers with information about the cleanliness and safety practices of establishments that sell food. The ratings are based on factors such as food handling practices, cleanliness of facilities and overall food safety management.
Low scores can indicate issues such as poor cleaning practices, inadequate temperature control of food or pest infestations. Such conditions can lead to bacterial growth, cross-contamination and, ultimately, a higher likelihood of customers falling ill – in some cases seriously.
In response to the BBC investigation, Sainsbury’s said: “Food safety is our highest priority and the vast majority of our stores have a five-star food standards rating, which we proudly display to our customers. We’ve removed an outdated rating sticker at our Leyton High Road Local store and reviewed our procedures to ensure this doesn’t happen again.”
The company admitted that incorrect information was also displayed on the website page for the store and said this had been rectified. Since the BBC visited the store, its rating has improved from zero to three – meaning hygiene there is now “generally satisfactory”.
While the actions of Sainsbury’s raise concerns about misleading customers, other establishments lied about their ratings when asked directly about them, potentially crossing the line into fraudulent behaviour.
One such business was Nadeem Halal Meat & Grocery, in Leyton.
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