Popular Crewe eatery hit with two-star food hygiene rating
A popular Crewe eatery has been hit with a two-star food hygiene rating, according to a recent Food Standard Agency (FSA) report.
The FSA Food Hygiene Rating Scheme is aimed at helping people choose where to eat out or shop for food.
This scheme is in partnership with local authorities in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
It gives businesses a rating from 0 to 5 - displayed at their premises and online.
A two-star hygiene rating means 'some improvement is necessary' for the British frozen food and grocery supermarket.
All information was taken from the Food Standard Agency website as of Wednesday 8 January.
- Olive's Cypriot Street Food (Eatery) - Two Star - (November 15, 2024).
A food safety officer from Cheshire East Council inspected the Crewe Market Hall eatery to check it was following food hygiene law, ensuring the food sold was safe to eat.
At all inspections, the officer checked the following three elements:
- Hygienic food handling - improvement necessary
- Cleanliness and condition of facilities and building - good
- Management of food safety - generally satisfactory
Olive's Cypriot Street Food was rated two-star based on these checks.
An Olive's spokesperson told Nub News: "We are devastated by the recent news about our stall's hygiene rating, which we strongly believe does not fairly represent the quality of our operations or the efforts we make to ensure a safe and clean environment.
"Last year, our stall's hygiene rating was five, reflecting our dedication to high standards of food safety and cleanliness
"The negative points raised in the recent report are based on temporary circumstances and unexpected events that occurred on the day of the inspection.
"These points do not reflect unsafe food practices or a lack of cleanliness. We want to clarify the following:
"A Freezer Issue: On the inspection day, our freezer unexpectedly broke. As soon as we discovered the issue, we immediately called a repair technician to resolve it.
"We explained this situation to the inspector, emphasising that it had just occurred and that we were actively managing the situation to ensure food safety. Despite our prompt action, we received a minus one point for this.
"Meat Handling: The meat outside the fridge was due to a temporary situation during a peak busy period.
"The fridge stock was depleted, and we had taken meat from the freezer to defrost it quickly to fulfil customer orders. While this was a momentary measure, it was noted negatively by the inspector.
"Open Condiments: Open condiments like tzatziki and mayonnaise were flagged as another issue.
"However, these are only opened during order preparation for ease of access and speed. Once service slows, they are properly sealed and stored.
"This is a standard practice in many food establishments during busy hours, yet it resulted in another minus one point.
"Waste Bin Placement: Our stall is just 12 metres squared and space is limited. We have a food, hand, and equipment washing sink next to each other.
"A small, lidded waste bin is positioned under the hand wash sink and behind the door, away from food preparation areas. The bin is emptied as soon as it is full, which happens every couple of hours due to its size.
"If it ever interfered with handwashing, we would promptly move it, but it does not. Despite this, it was cited as an issue and led to another deduction.
"We informed the inspector of these situations at the time, and they acknowledged our explanations.
"They also mentioned that we could pay an additional fee for a re-inspection before the rating is officially released.
"However, a follow-up inspection is already scheduled in three months, at which point the rating will more accurately reflect the true hygiene standards of our stall.
"We are confident that the upcoming inspection will reaffirm our commitment to food safety and hygiene, which has earned us a five-star rating in the last year. Thank you for your understanding and support during this time.
"For Olive's Mediterranean Food, the points were deducted due to the open condiments and the placement of the bin.
"We believe these reasons are insufficient to justify a hygiene rating of two and disregard the hard work and dedication we put into maintaining high standards."
READ MORE: Cheshire East plans to 'enhance' Crewe town centre wasteland this spring.
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