A TAKEAWAY has been told to make major improvements after being handed a new one-out-of-five food hygiene rating.

Fortune House, a Chinese takeaway at 103 Higher Parr Street, Fingerpost, St Helens was given the score after an assessment on March 22, the Food Standards Agency's website shows.

The Food Hygiene Ratings scheme helps you choose where to eat out or shop for food by giving you clear information about businesses’ hygiene standards.

It is in partnership with local authorities in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

All the information is publicly accessible on the Foods Standards Agency website and the Star routinely publishes ratings.

What the ratings mean

The scheme gives businesses a rating from 5 to 0 which is displayed at their premises and online so you can make more informed choices about where to buy and eat food.

5 – hygiene standards are very good

4 – hygiene standards are good

3 – hygiene standards are generally satisfactory

2 – some improvement is necessary

1 – major improvement is necessary

0 – urgent improvement is required

In the case of Fortune House inspectors rated it in the following areas.

Hygienic food handling

Hygienic handling of food including preparation, cooking, re-heating, cooling and storage

Improvement necessary

Cleanliness and condition of facilities and building

Cleanliness and condition of facilities and building (including having appropriate layout, ventilation, hand washing facilities and pest control) to enable good food hygiene

Improvement necessary

Management of food safety

System or checks in place to ensure that food sold or served is safe to eat, evidence that staff know about food safety, and the food safety officer has confidence that standards will be maintained in future

Major improvement necessary

The overall rating of one was recorded as one-star - meaning major improvement is necessary.