New food hygiene ratings have been awarded to eight of Northumberland’s establishments, including a fast food branch in Tynedale.

The ratings, which are published via the Food Standards Agency’s website, rate cafes, hotels, mobile caterers, pubs, restaurants, shops selling food and takeaways.

A food hygiene rating shows how well a business is complying with the expected standards. The rating is based on what was found when it was last inspected.

The rating structure is as follows:

0 – urgent improvement necessary

1 – major improvement necessary

2 – some improvement necessary

3 – hygiene standards are generally satisfactory

4 – hygiene standards are good

5 – hygiene standards are very good

According to the Food Standards Agency (FSA), the ratings are a snapshot of the standards of food hygiene found at the time of inspection. The FSA add that it is the responsibility of the business to comply with food hygiene law at all times.

This includes the handling of food, how food is stored, how food is prepared, cleanliness of facilities, and how food safety is managed.

However, the food hygiene rating scheme does not provide information on the following factors: quality of the food, customer service, culinary skill, presentation and comfort.

For our businesses across Tynedale, it’s good news for them all.

Here's the latest food hygeine ratings round-up:

  • Rated 5: Hadrian Hotel at Front Street, Wall, Northumberland; rated on January 30
  • Rated 5: The Golden Lion at Hill Street, Corbridge, Northumberland; rated on January 26
  • Rated 5: The Feathers Inn at Hedley, Northumberland; rated on January 25
  • Rated 5: McDonald's Restaurants at Prudhoe Retail Park, Prudhoe, Northumberland; rated on January 24
  • Rated 5: Community Buddies at West Road, Mickley, Northumberland; rated on January 29

The FSA website adds there are two groups of exempt businesses which are inspected by the local authority food safety officer, but are not given a food hygiene rating.

Those exempt businesses include; businesses that are low-risk to public health, for example, newsagents, chemist shops or visitor centres selling pre-wrapped goods that do not require refrigeration. They also include childminders and businesses that offer caring services at home.