A Watford takeaway was told its food safety management needed “major improvement” as it was hit with a 1/5 hygiene rating.

Spiceland Kebabish in Whippendell Road had its latest rating published recently following an inspection on July 25.

The eatery’s manager said there were trainee staff there during the inspection – but they have now completed the required training and he expects a better score soon.

Inspectors rated the management of food safety category, which assesses staff knowledge and systems in place to ensure food is safe to eat, as ‘major improvement necessary’.

Hygienic food handling – which covers handling of food including preparation, cooking, reheating, cooling and storage – was rated ‘improvement necessary’.

The same grade was given to cleanliness and condition of facilities, which judges whether there is appropriate layout, hand washing facilities and pest control to enable good food hygiene.

Kebabish’s manager told the Watford Observer: “There was a couple of trainees at that inspection, and they were under training, so we have done the training already with the hygiene level 2, and I’m just expecting a re-visit very soon so hopefully it [the rating] will go up.”

He said staff management – particularly in terms of their food safety knowledge – was the main concern found by inspectors, but certificates have since been sent to the council showing that has been resolved.

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Two other restaurants get new ratings

Romanian restaurant Cerbul Carpatin in Market Street was given a 5/5 score following an assessment on August 22.

Tudor Fish and Grill in Bushey Mill Lane was given a ‘good’ 4/5 rating after being visited on August 6.

It means that of Watford's 75 takeaways with ratings, 36 have of 5/5 and none have 0/5.