McDonald's restaurant in Wigan town centre has been handed a one-star hygiene rating by food safety inspectors, indicating that 'major improvement' is required following a routine inspection in May 2026.
Inspection Details and Rating
The fast-food outlet on Standishgate was assessed by a Food Safety Officer from the local council on May 27. The resulting report, now published on the Food Standards Agency website, rates the establishment on a scale from zero to five, with five representing excellent standards and zero meaning 'urgent improvement' is needed due to severe risks.
The one-star rating signifies that significant failures in food safety and hygiene protocols were identified, necessitating major improvements. However, the assessment of the hygienic handling of food—covering preparation, cooking, re-heating, cooling, and storage—was classed as 'very good'.
Areas Requiring Improvement
Two other categories were evaluated. The 'cleanliness and condition of facilities and building' category was judged as 'improvement necessary', encompassing ventilation, hand washing facilities, and pest control. The 'management of food safety' category, which assesses systems and checks in place to ensure food is safe to eat, staff knowledge, and confidence in future standards, was rated as 'major improvement necessary'.
According to the Food Standards Agency, a rating of one means 'major improvement' is necessary after significant failures in food safety and hygiene protocols were identified. The inspection report does not specify the exact nature of the failures, but the low rating highlights concerns over the restaurant's overall food safety management.
Context and Response
McDonald's has not yet publicly commented on the rating. The restaurant remains open for business, and customers can view the full inspection report on the Food Standards Agency's website. The one-star rating is a significant drop from the typical high standards expected of major fast-food chains, and the company is expected to address the issues promptly to restore its rating.
