McDonald's speaks out after restaurant receives shock one-star food hygiene rating

McDonald's has vowed to make improvements at one of its restaurants after it received a damning food hygiene rating. The outlet on Dalton Road in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, was given a one-star rating, which states "major improvement is necessary", following an inspection on September 26.

A food safety officer from Westmorland and Furness Council found issues in hygienic food handling, which includes the preparation, cooking, re-heating, cooling and storage, and the cleanliness and condition of facilities and building. Both areas were listed as "improvements necessary". The inspection also found that "major improvement necessary" in regards to the management of food safety.

A McDonald's spokesperson said the fast food giant was addressing issues identified in the inspection "with the utmost importance and urgency".

The spokesperson told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: "This rating does not reflect the high standards of hygiene and cleanliness that this restaurant strives to uphold.

"We will be requesting a revisit at the EHO [environmental health officer]'s earliest convenience so that the rating can be reassessed."

Food hygiene ratings go from zero - which states "urgent improvement is required" - to five which says "hygiene standards are very good".

If restaurants disagree with the rating they receive, they can launch an appeal.

The other McDonald's restaurant in Barrow has a five-star food hygiene rating.

According to its website, McDonald's has more than 1,270 outlets in the UK and employs more than 120,000 people.