Following the easing of Covid restrictions and the hospitality sector reopening, Barking and Dagenham Council will be ramping up inspections to improve food hygiene standards in the borough.



Over the next few months, the council’s food safety team will be focussing on premises that currently have poor hygiene ratings of two and below and any newly registered high-risk food businesses.



The council will be working closely with these businesses to ensure that that they’re compliant with the Food Standard Agency (FSA) to an appropriate rating of three and above. 



Throughout the recovery plan, the food safety team will also look to address all outstanding backlog inspections from 2020/21, investigate any food establishment complaints and outbreaks of food related illnesses and enhance the provision of self-help information on food safety to food businesses and consumers.



During their visits, inspectors will expect to see the following from all businesses:



•    Cleaning the premises thoroughly and ensuring they are kept clean at all times

•    Everything in good order

•    Handwashing facilities, hot water, and ventilation in place

•    Food Safety Management documentation in order

•    Food storage and preparation areas in good state.



Councillor Margaret Mullane, Cabinet Member for Enforcement and Community Safety said: “We want to ensure that all businesses that provide food for residents are operating at a good to high level, so that the health of residents is protected. 



“As restrictions continue to ease, residents will start to eat out more at restaurants and pubs, so it’s vitally important that we do everything to make sure these establishments are clean and safe.”