Food rating lies exposed by BBC secret recording

The FSA’s hygiene ratings provide customers with information about the cleanliness and safety practices of establishments that sell food. The ratings are based on factors such as food handling practices, cleanliness of facilities and overall food safety management.

Low scores can indicate issues such as poor cleaning practices, inadequate temperature control of food or pest infestations. Such conditions can lead to bacterial growth, cross-contamination and, ultimately, a higher likelihood of customers falling ill – in some cases seriously.

In response to the BBC investigation, Sainsbury’s said food safety was a priority and claimed that “95%” of their stores had a rating of five.

“We’ve removed an outdated rating sticker at our Leyton High Road Local store and reviewed our procedures to ensure this doesn’t happen again.”

The company also said it was “continuing to make improvements at the store” and admitted that the wrong rating about the store had also been displayed on the Sainsbury’s website and that this had been rectified. Since the BBC visited the store, its rating has improved from zero to three – meaning hygiene there is now “generally satisfactory”.

While the actions of Sainsbury’s raise concerns about misleading customers, other establishments lied about their ratings when asked directly about them, potentially crossing the line into fraudulent behaviour.

One such business was Nadeem Halal Meat & Grocery, in Leyton.