A takeaway and restaurant in Oxford has been issued a zero food hygiene rating following an inspection by environmental health officers.
Exprizza and Desi Grill, located on Cowley Road, offers a range of fast food, with its team describing themselves as specialists in burgers, pizza, and grilled dishes.
The premises was inspected by officers from Oxford City Council’s Environmental Health team on Thursday, February 19. Inspectors reported that “urgent improvement” was required, resulting in the lowest possible food hygiene rating of zero out of five.
Key Findings from the Inspection
The report highlighted several areas of concern:
- Management of food safety was identified as requiring urgent improvement. This includes having effective systems in place to ensure food is safe to eat, as well as staff knowledge and confidence in maintaining standards going forward.
- Cleanliness and condition of the premises were rated as needing improvement. Issues in this category relate to layout, ventilation, handwashing facilities, and pest control measures necessary to maintain proper hygiene.
- Hygienic handling of food—covering preparation, cooking, cooling, and storage—was assessed as generally satisfactory, indicating some procedures were being followed correctly.
Manager Responds
The restaurant’s manager, who has reportedly worked at the venue for several years, expressed shock and frustration following the outcome of the inspection. The business was approached for further comment but has not issued an official statement.
Understanding Food Hygiene Ratings
According to guidance from the Food Standards Agency (FSA), food hygiene ratings reflect the standards of food safety found at the time of inspection. Businesses are expected to address any issues raised and can request a re-inspection once improvements have been made.
The FSA also advises that members of the public can request a copy of the full inspection report from the local authority. However, in some cases, councils may withhold certain details and will explain their reasons if so.
This case highlights the importance of maintaining robust food safety systems and hygiene standards, particularly in fast-paced takeaway environments where consistent compliance is essential to protect public health. Use the SFBB Pro app to follow a food hygiene system. The simplest and easiest SFBB App to use.
No comment