More than 370 food outlets across Lancashire have been handed the lowest possible hygiene ratings, according to new figures obtained by BBC Radio Lancashire through a Freedom of Information request. The data, covering inspections by 14 local authorities, shows that 374 premises received a score of zero or one, indicating urgent improvement is needed.
Blackpool Council recorded the highest number of low-scoring premises, with 55 out of 1,626 outlets rated zero or one. Hyndburn Borough Council had the highest proportion, with 44 of its 656 eateries receiving the lowest marks. In contrast, Pendle Borough Council reported just five poor ratings out of 776 premises.
Inspectors uncovered alarming conditions, including a corner shop in West Lancashire using a toilet as a storeroom, and kitchens infested with maggots, beetles, or flies. Some chefs had not completed a food hygiene course in 20 years. A score of zero can lead to immediate closure orders in serious cases.
Carolyn Bland, a food hygiene inspector at Blackpool Council, said low ratings often reflect very dirty premises and poor management. A council spokesman stressed that food safety is taken extremely seriously, noting that the high number of low ratings is partly due to the large number of inspections carried out.
