These secret recordings by the BBC captured food establishments lying about their hygiene ratings
Businesses have been displaying inaccurate food hygiene ratings, with many lying about them when challenged, an undercover BBC investigation has revealed.
Secret recording captured businesses from small local restaurants to the supermarket chain Sainsbury’s misleading customers with inaccurate Food Standards Agency (FSA) ratings, in what experts say is a nationwide problem.
Over several weeks, the BBC visited dozens of food establishments in east London, following tip-offs that deception about ratings in the area was rife. Where places lied when asked about their ratings, one expert said this amounted to fraud.
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Confronted with the evidence, some businesses did not respond at all while others denied any deliberate deception.
Sainsbury‘s misled customers for many months by claiming both in signage and on its website it had a top hygiene rating at this store – its actual score was zero
Food inspectors found mouse droppings and widespread filth in the store
Using hidden cameras, the BBC’s team set out in July and August to document the accuracy of food hygiene ratings on display and also to see how businesses would respond when questioned about their score.
The BBC’s investigation revealed that the London Borough of Waltham Forest has a serious food hygiene problem. As of September 2024, it has the highest percentage of establishments in England and Wales rated zero to two stars on the food hygiene scale. Under the FSA’s scheme, businesses are ranked from zero to five, with those scoring below three described as in need of improvement.
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The Sainsbury’s store found to have been misrepresenting its status was one of its “Local” outlets, in Leyton.
A BBC undercover team repeatedly visited the store in July and August and found a top mark of five prominently displayed there. However, its official FSA rating at the time was zero – indicating urgent improvement was needed.
The inspection report, obtained by the BBC through a freedom of information request, detailed serious pest-control issues, with mouse droppings discovered in an access hatch adjacent to a cash machine. Widespread filth and grime were found throughout the store and cleaning standards deemed ‘not acceptable’.
The report noted “excessive dirt and debris beneath shelving, dirty evaporator grills in the walk-in fridge, dirty walls and ceiling in the bakery, dirty lights in the walk-in chiller, and debris in corners of the kitchen and warehouse”.
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According to the report, allergen labelling was not available for some products on display – posing a risk to customers with food allergies.
The Food Standards Agency rating scheme ranges from 0 (urgent improvement necessary) to 5 (very good)
The FSA’s hygiene ratings provide customers with information about the cleanliness and safety practices of establishments that sell food. The ratings are based on factors such as food handling practices, cleanliness of facilities and overall food safety management.
Low scores can indicate issues such as poor cleaning practices, inadequate temperature control of food or pest infestations. Such conditions can lead to bacterial growth, cross-contamination and, ultimately, a higher likelihood of customers falling ill – in some cases seriously.
In response to the BBC investigation, Sainsbury’s said: “Food safety is our highest priority and the vast majority of our stores have a five-star food standards rating, which we proudly display to our customers. We’ve removed an outdated rating sticker at our Leyton High Road Local store and reviewed our procedures to ensure this doesn’t happen again.”
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The company said it was “continuing to make improvements at the store” and admitted that the wrong rating about the store had also been displayed on the Sainsbury’s website and that this had been rectified. Since the BBC visited the store, its rating has improved from zero to three – meaning hygiene there is now “generally satisfactory”.
While the actions of Sainsbury’s raise concerns about misleading customers, other establishments lied about their ratings when asked directly about them, potentially crossing the line into fraudulent behaviour.
One such business was Nadeem Halal Meat & Grocery, in Leyton.
A trap was spotted by BBC investigators, suggesting a rodent infestation at Nadeem Halal Meat & Grocery. The store had a zero rating – but claimed to have a score of three
This image was captured by the BBC investigation team at Nadeem Halal Meat & Grocery
A rating of three was prominently displayed there when BBC undercover reporters visited in July and August. However, the shop’s rating was actually zero.
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When questioned, a manager assured our reporter: “Don’t worry, never a problem, never nothing.”
However, the shop’s FSA inspection had found filthy conditions and a lack of food safety awareness among staff.
When the BBC visited, we spotted evidence of a rodent infestation in the form of a trap, indicating the suspected presence of rats or mice.
A manager at Pizza & BBQ Express tells an undercover reporter to look outside for confirmation of a five-star rating. The establishment had a score of zero at the time
At Café Mondial, in Leyton, the rating of four on display suggested “good” hygiene standards, with a manager there telling our reporter: “Four is good. Nearly five.” In reality, the café had a rating of one.
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Its FSA inspection report indicated major hygiene issues and a lack of allergen information.
At Pizza & BBQ Express, in Lea, when an undercover reporter expressed concern about a previous stomach issue, the manager claimed the business had a five-star rating.
“No problem,” he said, encouraging the reporter to “look at the outside” for confirmation of the top mark.
At the time, the business’s rating was zero.
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A manager at Midland Supermarket tells the BBC: “Five means it’s excellent. One is a low. Zero is the lowest. Five is top class.” The store’s rating at the time was one
At Midland Supermarket, in Leyton, a five-star rating was prominently displayed, despite the store’s actual score being one.
When questioned, the manager told the BBC: “Five means it’s excellent. One is a low. Zero is the lowest. Five is top class.”
What he failed to mention was that FSA inspectors had found the store selling food well past its expiration date, putting customers at risk of consuming potentially dangerous products.
Food safety lawyer Jon Payne, who assessed the BBC’s evidence, said those telling lies about their food hygiene ratings were “effectively criminals”
Jon Payne, a food safety lawyer who analysed the BBC’s evidence, said businesses that lied when asked about their food ratings were potentially committing fraud.
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“It makes me cross to see there are businesses out there who are willing to flout the law and put people at risk,” he said.
“The BBC investigation has quite clearly shown that there are a lot of people out there who are willing to break the law. Those that have lied about their food hygiene ratings are committing criminal offences; they are effectively criminals.”
He added: “Where there is a deliberate attempt to deceive a customer, that’s where it’s fraud. They know about it, they’ve done nothing about it. That’s fraud.
“Dealing with food is a serious matter. Anybody who is selling food is providing a customer with something that they put into their body and ultimately can kill them.”
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He pointed out that the issue is far from one isolated to east London.
“This happens throughout the country,” Mr Payne told the BBC. “I and many other lawyers come across this every few months at work. And it’s not just limited to small establishments, it can happen in bigger premises as well.”
‘I passed out on the bathroom floor’
Selena Green was hospitalised after eating at an unrelated establishment displaying a five-star rating
Selena Green’s experience illustrates the dangers of poor food hygiene. After eating a chicken pastry at an unrelated establishment displaying a five-star rating, she became severely ill with what a doctor said was food poisoning.
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“I started to feel really, really unwell and laid down,” Ms Green recounted. “Then it was probably about one o’clock in the morning, I made my way to the bathroom because I was just feeling like I wanted to be sick. And I remember I just passed out on the floor in the bathroom and I was starting to go pale.”
The situation quickly became critical. “By that time I was just so weak I couldn’t even move,” she said. “A family member took me into the front room. And I was starting to feel breathless. I was just starting to feel nauseous and I was starting to go pale… and my sister called the ambulance to come and get me.”
Her ordeal culminated in a hospital stay, a stark reminder of the potentially serious consequences when food hygiene standards are compromised.
There are serious health risks associated with poor food hygiene, including potential exposure to harmful bacteria and allergens
The BBC found 27 businesses that were misleading the public, all within a couple of miles of each other, and approached all of those featured in this article.
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Nadeem Halal Meat & Grocery apologised and said it was retraining staff.
Pizza BBQ Express cited staff confusion for the rating discrepancy, denying intentional deception. Its rating has risen to a three since the BBC recording.
Midland Supermarket and Café Mondial did not respond to requests for comment.
‘Voluntary system a problem’
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The investigation raises questions about the effectiveness of England’s voluntary display system for food hygiene ratings. Unlike in Wales and Northern Ireland, where displaying a rating is mandatory, English establishments can lawfully choose whether or not to show their ratings – or even display false ones.
Richard Reichman, a consumer protection solicitor, believes the nature of England’s system might be an issue.
“I can see an argument that it would be helpful for businesses to display a food hygiene rating, to make it clear to consumers what their rating is rather than consumers needing to search for that rating online,” he said.
“The voluntary nature of the system in England may be contributing to the problem we’re seeing.”
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Waltham Forest Council, which has responsibility for enforcing the kind of trading standards breaches uncovered by the BBC, said it took food hygiene seriously and closed about 50 businesses each year for poor standards. It added that it would investigate any misrepresentation of scores.
The Food Standards Agency said displaying incorrect ratings was potentially illegal. It said its latest audit showed 91% of English businesses displayed the correct ratings, adding that it had long advocated for making the scheme statutory in England – as it is in Wales and Northern Ireland – but that the final decision about that was one for the government.
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The UK government has delayed the third and final stage of the post-Brexit border rollout, triggering an angry response from traders, who said ministerial engagement with industry was “totally lacking”.
A waiver on safety and security certificates for goods entering the UK from the EU has been extended by three months to January 31 2025, according to an update published by HM Revenue & Customs on Monday.
The announcement by the UK tax authority marks the latest in a string of delays to the implementation of the country’s post-Brexit border regime.
Trade representatives said that while they welcomed the waiver extension, the government’s failure to properly engage with industry or offer clear guidance on arrangements with Britain’s largest trading partner had left homegrown businesses at a disadvantage.
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“Constant changes to deadlines cost the industry financially and erode confidence in both the government and our sector in terms of our ability to deliver for customers,” said Nichola Mallon, head of trade at business group Logistics UK. “Engagement with industry has been totally lacking.”
As of October 31, safety and security declarations were due to be enforced for all goods imported into the UK from the EU. The declarations, which were initially due to take effect from July 2022, are designed to provide UK authorities with information about goods on their way to Britain and assess their safety before they arrive.
The scheme is the final step in the implementation of the new border regime, known as the Border Target Operating Model, after health certificates were introduced in January and physical checks began in April.
Anna Jerzewska, an independent trade adviser and chief content officer for consultancy CustomsClear, said the UK could still consider joining the EU’s safety and security zone, which the bloc shares with Norway and Switzerland, thereby avoiding the need for entry and exit summary declarations.
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“Over and over again companies that invested in changing their processes to meet upcoming changes, ended up wasting time and money. There were so many instances where companies tried to prepare but ended up worse off,” she said.
Jerzewska added that policy churn made it harder for the government to get businesses to comply. “Companies learn that there is nothing to be gained from trying to be compliant and following government recommendations. This is actually worrying,” she said.
After years of strained relations with the EU under the last Conservative government, Sir Keir Starmer’s Labour administration is trying to forge closer ties, including by seeking a veterinary agreement with the bloc that could cut border red tape for agrifood products.
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Marco Forgione, director-general of the Chartered Institute of Export and International Trade, said the professional body recognised it was “early days for the government and the timetable for the implementation for BTOM was not theirs”.
But “announcements like this have got to be made in collaboration and partnership with businesses”, he added.
HMRC said it had “been working closely with ministers to review plans for the introduction of safety and security declarations for EU imports, as well as listening to industry about the time it will take them to prepare”.
“We will continue to engage closely with industry to ensure they are prepared for a smooth transition,” it added.
First made in 1876, the new and improved recipe seems to be a hit with punters.
Many have already taken to the comments section to express their joy at the relaunch.
One user commented: “Working wonders!”
Another said: “We tried and can say it’s stunning!! Safe to say we have it in the cellar waiting to come back on!!”
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Someone else wrote: “The first beer I had the privilege of tasting in the company of my beloved Grandad, watching match of the day not quite the same these days.”
The 8 ways a pint of beer a day can help BOOST your health – from cancer to diabetes
A fourth put: “Something to look out for.”
Another commented: “Where? Can’t wait to try it out.”
The brewery has revealed Double Diamond will not be their only offering with other old beers to make an appearance.
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Drinkers could opt for a pint of Hofmeister, Kestrel Pilsner or Watneys Party Seven keg, all from the same brand.
Those hoping to find other drinks by the brewery could also hop to Allsopp’s Best Bitter.
Marketed at being “perfect for any occasion” the beer has notes of forest fruit, marmalade and biscuit.
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Dutch state-owned electric grid operator Tennet has tapped investment bankers to explore an initial public offering for its large German subsidiary, seeking to sever its links to the capital-hungry business after talks to sell it to Berlin collapsed.
Tennet has lined up bankers at Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, ABN Amro and Deutsche Bank to plan a potential listing for the German unit, which could be valued at more than €20bn, according to people familiar with the matter.
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The Dutch government has for years tried to sell the German grid operations, as it is reluctant to invest billions of Dutch taxpayers’ money into the modernisation of German electrical infrastructure.
Tennet invested €4.8bn in German infrastructure in 2023, compared with €2.9bn in its home market.
Germany’s energy grids play a key role in the government’s plan to increase the share of renewable energy to 80 per cent by 2030, up from 52 per cent last year.
More decentralised power generation and bigger swings in electricity production mean that grid operators will have to invest billions of euros into energy distribution infrastructure over the coming years.
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Big Four firm EY puts the investment needs of all German electricity grids at €281bn by 2030.
A plan to sell the unit to the German government at a €22.5bn enterprise valuation fell through earlier this year.
A stock market listing in Frankfurt for Tennet’s German business could now come as soon as next year, the people said. However, they cautioned that Tennet was still exploring other options such as a stake sale which remained a more likely outcome than an IPO.
Regulated utilities such as grid operators have been popular investment targets for insurance companies and infrastructure investors as they operate in markets with high barriers to entry and generate stable and reliable returns.
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Bankers at Lazard have been working with Tennet to weigh options for the German business.
Tennet declined to comment. The Dutch finance ministry, Goldman Sachs, ABN Amro and Deutsche Bank declined to comment. Morgan Stanley and Lazard did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
THOUSANDS of low-income families will get the chance to benefit from council funding worth up to £180.
Cash-strapped households could be eligible for the added support after the cost of living crisis – there’s just one thing they’ll need to know.
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Cash-strapped household may be eligible to get their hands on the extra funding from Ealing councilCredit: Alamy
Ealing council has been offered £2.6 million to help those in financial need until March.
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It is expected that the funding will be the last phase from the government so those strapped for cash will want to check if they’re eligible.
If you’re living in the area and are hoping to nab some extra money to pay for essentials, you don’t need even need to apply.
However, those eligible will need to get their skates on as the clock is ticking for recipients to redeem the vouchers.
Those deemed qualified to receive the payment will be sent a 16 digit code with instructions via email or letter.
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The personalised link will need to be claimed via the Blackhawk website which is a trusted partner of the local council.
All of the payments have been offered as vouchers with those eligible for free school meals receiving ones to spend at supermarkets.
Based on low income, those claiming benefit from the scheme will gain either £15 or £30 per child depending on when they were means tested.
If you’re children are not old enough to claim free school meals then there’s no need to fret as you could still be eligible.
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Those with kids under five, receiving housing benefit or council tax reduction could find a voucher in their inbox.
Jack Chambers confirms €125 increase in Earned Income Credit
Care leavers have also been placed on the list of those to be supported, with Ealing locals receiving £100 per care leaver.
The Household Support Fund has been provided by the Department for Work and Pensions to help those who qualify to be able to afford food and essential items.
Local authorities across the country have been allocated funding from the £421 million pot.
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The Sun recently shared a guide and interactive map to help those unsure figure out what they may be able to claim.
Funding applications and eligibility varies between council and so those interested in redeeming support should check with their local authority.
How has the Household Support Fund evolved?
The Household Support Fund was first launched in October 2021 to help Brits pay their way through winter amid the cost of living crisis.
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Councils up and down the country got a slice of the £421million funding available to dish out to Brits in need.
It was then extended for a second time in the 2022 Spring Budget and for a third time in October 2022 to help those on the lowest incomes with the rising cost of living.
PLEASURE Beach Resort in Blackpool is one of the country’s best-loved seaside attractions.
The award-winning seaside theme park, which is just as popular in the colder months of the year, claims to be home to the “most haunted” ghost train in the world.
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Pleasure Beach Resort in Blackpool is one of the country’s best-loved seaside attractionsCredit: Getty
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The Ghost Train in Blackpool claims to be the most haunted ghost train in the worldCredit: Blackpool Pleasure Beach Resort
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Tim Burton visited Blackpool’s Pleasure Beach Resort for inspiration for his new film Beetlejuice BeetlejuiceCredit: AP
The Ghost Train at Blackpool‘s Pleasure Beach Resort first opened to the public in 1930 and remains in operation to this day, with Hollywood director Tim Burton among its fans.
Tim Burton visited Blackpool last year while he was filming Beetlejuice Beetlejuice and went on a private tour of the Blackpool-based ghost train for inspiration.
But a tour – or even a ride – certainly isn’t for the faint-hearted, with claims that it’s the world’s most haunted ghost train.
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The popular ride is said to be haunted by a clog-wearing spirit aptly named ‘Cloggy’.
Cloggy, who died 20 years ago, was one of the ride’s original operators, and earned his nickname because he always wore clogs.
It was after Cloggy passed away that guests reported being “touched” or “grabbed” by someone – or something – they could only hear.
Over the years, staff members have also claimed to hear odd noises like tapping, scratching and groaning as well as loud footsteps.
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A group of workmen also reported unusual events like signs working without any power or electricity, while others have claimed to see a ghostly male figure resembling German philosopher Karl Marx.
Other parts of the seaside theme park are also said to be haunted, including Hiram Maxim’s Flying Machines, the park’s oldest ride.
A ghostly little girl is said to haunt the ride’s gift shop.
Beachfront theme park awarded prestigious gong
Other spooky sightings at the park include a phantom hanging man and a blood-stained woman.
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The TV series Most Haunted investigated Blackpool Pleasure Beach Resort in 2004, with the late Derek Acorah claiming to make contact with Cloggy
Journey to Hell is an experience-led event, featuring live actors through themed areas of Pleasure Beach Resort.
There will also be immersive scare zones and unlimited riding after dark, guaranteed to leave adrenaline flowing and hearts thumping.
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Two new live-action scare zones are set to feature in 2024.
I just love the whole vibe
The Alice and Wonderland-themed ‘Down the Rabbit Hole’ will see the park’s Alice in Wonderland ride transformed into a nightmarish world where Alice and friends have gone insane.
Meanwhile, inside the bizarre ‘Cabinet of Curiosities’ visitors will find the lair of a macabre collector and have to flee through a maze of horrors.
There will be nine rides in the event, all available for unlimited riding, with the north of the Pleasure Beach home to terrifying roaming creatures.
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‘The Ghost Train: Vault of Shadows’ returns for the second year, and the resort’s network tunnels will become home to a live-action scare zone.
Entry tickets start from £39.50 per person, with the event running from October 11 until October 31, 2024.
Andy Hygate, director of operations at Pleasure Beach Resort, said: “The story goes that Cloggy loved his job so much that, even after he passed away, he continued showing up for work and causing mischief. Even the most skeptical of staff have stories to tell, and some point blank refuse to work on that particular ride.
“Other people can’t get enough of the ghostly goings on though, and we’ve had guests travel from all over the world to get a glimpse of Cloggy and the other ghosts that are said to haunt Pleasure Beach.”
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Tim Burton is a fan of the northern seaside townCredit: Blackpool Pleasure Beach Resort
Tim Burton, who is arguably the town’s biggest fan, first visited Blackpool in 2006 to watch The Killers perform.
Since then, he’s returned to the town on several occasions, even shooting his Miss Peregrine’s School For Peculiar Children in the Blackpool in 2015, and turning the lights on at Blackpool Illuminations.
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Burton told Granada Reports: “I just love the whole vibe. It surprised me because I don’t really know why. Sometimes things are an emotional response.
“I don’t know if it’s because I grew up in California and used to wander alone on these amusement piers.
“It just had a gravity to me; the old and new, the texture of the older buildings. The whole environment was something that really spoke to me.”
Free attractions in Blackpool
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THE resort town is filled with fun (and free!) activities year-round, here are three of The Sun’s top picks.
Stroll along the PromThere’s plenty to see and do, from taking a selfie outside the Blackpool Tower to checking out the three piers where entry is free.
Visit Stanley ParkThe 390-acre park is open from 9 am daily with free admission and the park’s many activities start at only £1.Marvel at the Blackpool Illuminations.
The famous lights show costs £2.4 million to stage, the equipment is worth £10 million, and they attract more than 3.5 million visitors to the town every year. Check online to find out display times each year.
Roula Khalaf, Editor of the FT, selects her favourite stories in this weekly newsletter.
Thai investor Central Group has struck a deal with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund to own jointly the company behind upmarket London department store Selfridges, after its partnership with property mogul René Benko unravelled.
Central Group, owned by the Chirathivat family, said on Monday evening that it would now own 60 per cent of Selfridges Group’s operating and property companies, with the PIF owning the remainder. The operation also includes prime department stores De Bijenkorf in the Netherlands and the Brown Thomas and Arnotts brands in Ireland,
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Central in November took control of the retail business as Benko’s Signa property empire ran into financial difficulties and subsequently collapsed. At the time, the Thai investor declined to comment on the size of its own stake or whether anyone might replace Signa as co-owner.
The PIF has now bought Signa’s interest in Selfridges Group, subject to regulatory approvals. The fund already had a stake of about 10 per cent, according to a person with knowledge of the shareholding structure.
Central and the PIF on Monday said they intended to make the group “a leading force in European luxury retail”.
Tos Chirathivat, Central executive chair and chief executive officer, said the agreement would “immensely strengthen” the financial position of the group as it pursues “a new chapter of development and growth”.
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Turqi Al-Nowaiser, deputy governor and head of international investments at the PIF, said the transaction “allows Selfridges Group to build on its position as a premier retail destination”.
Luxury property group Signa collapsed at the end of 2023, leaving billions owed to shareholders and creditors across Europe.
Founded by Benko in 2000, Signa grew into one of central Europe’s most prominent property investors. Benko’s relationship with Central began when he sold it a stake in Berlin’s flagship luxury department store KaDeWe in 2015.
Rising interest rates, falling commercial property values and a downturn in the luxury market combined to form a perfect storm for the sprawling Austrian property empire.
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