Chinese takeaway praised for improving stars rating
A Chinese takeaway in Bath has argued things are “back to normal” after it received an improved food hygiene rating. The Peking Chef in Oldfield Park had been forced to close last month after an inspection uncovered evidence of rodent activity. The business was told “major improvements” were necessary by a senior environmental health officer for Bath and North East Somerset Council. On Wednesday, August 1, a new inspection was carried out, after the business paid for a rescore after a drop in the number of customers. Lucy Warren, the health officer who carried out the original inspection in May, has carried out several visits to the takeaway since giving it a one star rating. She has worked with the business owners and operators to educate them, while pointing out problem areas that needed tackling. Mrs Warren admitted they had done a lot since the first visit including significant work to keep rodents out. She said: “The wall was half missing from where rats had been chewing. “Now boards have been put up, holes have been covered in concrete and it’s been proofed. Behind those boards there’s wire mesh to keep rodents out.” Damaged floor tiles had also been replaced, the correct sanitising spray purchased for the kitchen and records improved, in line with Mrs Warren’s advice. Storage containers with nuts inside were now appropriately covered and a screen put up to stop flies reaching the kitchen from serving areas. Following the improvements, Mrs Warren gave the business an improved hygiene rating of four stars. Ann Coleman, a friend of Guo Fi Jiang and Ai Xia Jiang who run the Peking Chef, defended the business on their behalf. She said: “During the first inspection, they were on holiday in China. It was the first time they had been on holiday to see their family there in 20 years. “They left the takeaway with a friend to look after. If they go away again they will close the shop.” The new score was fairer to the Peking Chef, Mrs Coleman argued and added: “Now they have to keep going to try to get five stars.” A business needs to demonstrate it is meeting food hygiene standards for a consistent period of time before it can be awarded five stars.