From the https://www.kentlive.news By Ben Ashton, 17 September 2018.

The filthy reasons these 7 restaurants and pubs in Maidstone were given 0-2 food hygiene ratings.

Out of date food, chefs not washing their hands and greasiness were among the reasons why outlets scored poorly.

There are 7 food outlets that have been hit with a poor food hygiene rating in the Maidstone area so far in 2018.

Restaurants, takeaways, pubs and a Costa drive thru were among those considered to be below the standards required.

And now the reasons why they ranked so badly have been revealed.

The Food Hygiene Rating Scheme, run by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) in partnership with local authorities, inspects hygiene standards at places where food and drink is sold.

A rating is given based on food management, the hygienic handling of food and the condition and cleanliness of buildings.

Ratings range from zero, meaning urgent improvement is required, to five, meaning standards are very good.

Food hygiene ratings

5 - Very good

4 - Good

3 - Generally satisfactory

2 - Improvement necessary

1 - Major improvement necessary

0 - Urgent improvement necessary

The following list shows all of the places in Maidstone that received a rating of two or below following their latest inspections, as well as the date they were inspected and the reason why they received that score.

All ratings are based on information released to Kent Live under the Freedom of Information Act and also publicly available on the Food Standards Agency website. They are correct as of September 17, 2018.

The Stag Rating: 1.

When was it inspected? 8 August, 2018.

Reasons for rating: Two items were out of date at the pub when inspectors visited on August 8 this year.

Cheese slices were dated July 4, 2018, while there was peppercorn sauce that expired on June 29.

The food safety officer also noted that the designated food preparation sink was being used to wash up equipment, which should not be done.

The officer’s report also said: “I noted that the yellow board used for food preparation was heavily scored and dirty.

“I noted the floor areas under the double sink area and by the wash hand basin were dirty and greasy with food debris.

“All the refrigerator and the freezer units were generally dirty on the inside and out, including the handles.”