A Watford chicken shop received its second 1/5 food hygiene rating in two years just six months after being rated 'very good'.

Max Peri Peri, at 11 Market Street, was told it needs “major improvement” alongside its recently published score after being inspected on November 23 last year, despite getting 5/5 in April.

The restaurant was also given 1/5 after being assessed in June 2022.

Update: After a further inspection on April 30, the rating for Max Peri Peri was increased to a 4/5

Watford Observer: Max Peri Peri pictured in 2020.Max Peri Peri pictured in 2020. (Image: Google Maps)

In the latest assessment, health inspectors said “major improvement” was necessary in the management of food safety, which meant implementing checks to ensure that food sold is safe to eat.

The 'hygienic food handling' category, which includes preparation, cooking, re-heating, cooling and storage, was rated 'improvement necessary'.

However, the cleanliness of facilities and the building was deemed 'generally satisfactory'. 

According to a Freedom of Information request, the 2022 report revealed that staff were not washing their hands after handling foods and that the wash basin was left in a “filthy” condition.

Max Peri Peri did not respond to a request for comment.