Five food businesses in Bolton have been forced to close after hygiene inspectors discovered a raft of failings.
Inspections had been paused during the pandemic but a return to a full schedule of checks revealed a long list of problems, including pest infestations and lack of basic handwashing.
In just three weeks, five different firms have been forced to close by Bolton council.
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Deputy council leader, Hilary Fairclough, slammed the businesses which have failed to keep up standards during the Covid crisis and reminded others that inspectors are on their way.
“It is astonishing, given that one of the measures for controlling COVID-19 is regular hand washing, that we are finding some food businesses are missing basics like wash basins with hot water, soap and a means of drying hands," she said.
“Food hygiene standards are a legal requirement for a reason; to protect public health. Food poisoning can be extremely serious – even fatal - and our food safety team plays a vital role in keeping residents safe.
“We are reminding businesses of their obligations and to ensure they have all the correct procedures in place ahead of an inspection.
“Any business who fails to maintain these standards will find themselves facing serious consequences, which could include legal proceedings or even closure.”
The food hygiene rating for a business is assessed during an inspection
Where a business is closed by officers during an inspection, the rating is likely to be 0, meaning “urgent improvement necessary”.
The council has chosen not to name the five businesses it has closed during the first raft of inspections.
