A BUTCHERS says it has taken steps to make necessary improvements after being handed a one-out-of-five food hygiene score following an inspection earlier this year.

From a score of zero to five, food hygiene ratings are given to food handling businesses after an inspection has assessed how well they comply with food safety laws.

The rating reflects the standards of food hygiene found on the date of the inspection by the local authority.

The Star often reports on food hygiene reports across the borough so customers are confident in the businesses they are using, from the low scoring to high scoring venues.

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Inspected on February 15, Jon Cogley Butchers on Higher Parr Street in Fingerpost received a one-out-of-five food hygiene rating.

The butcher's food hygiene assessment found that major improvement was necessary for its management of food safety.

Improvement was also needed for its hygienic food handling and the cleanliness and condition of the building, inspectors found.

Jon Cogley Butcher's is currently one of nine businesses under St Helens Council's authority that have a food hygiene score of one or lower.

In response, Mr Cogley said swift action has been taken to address the issues raised by inspectors, which he says related to the condition of a sink and paperwork.

He said inspectors had visited the premises within a fortnight of highlighting the issues and they had been satisfied with improvements.

However, he said that if the business wanted a further inspection - which could lead to a change on the FSA website he would need to pay £180 to the local authority.

He expressed frustration over the situation.

Mr Cogley said: "The inspector came out after serving us with a notice (which meant we could be prosecuted if we didn't do what was asked of us) saying we had to make the improvements.

"They came back within a fortnight and the inspector was happy with everything we had done.

"However, we have been told that to have a further inspection (which could change the rating) this could cost £180, which for a small business - we can't really afford that."

Mr Cogley said he was confident the business would score a much higher rating if it was re-inspected.

  • The Star has also been asked to point out that deli - which operates separately out of the same premises - was not part of this inspection and has a Food Hygiene rating of three, dating back to an inspection in 2022.