2 weeks Ago
A major pretzel chain in Brighton received a one-star food hygiene rating following an inspection. The Auntie Annie's pretzel shop at Unit 29 in Churchill Square shopping centre received the rating after being assessed on February 1, 2025. A one is the second lowest of the six possible ratings, and means that "major improvement is required".
The ratings are determined based on performance in three categories: hygienic handling of food, cleanliness and condition of facilities, and management of food safety. The Auntie Anne's was deemed "generally satisfactory" in the hygienic handling and cleanliness and condition categories, but rated as "major improvement necessary" for food safety management. The ratings consider the preparation, cooking, re-heating, cooling, and storage of food, the cleanliness and condition of facilities including layout, ventilation, and pest control, and the management systems or checks in place to ensure food is safe to eat.
READ NEXT: Brighton restaurant given zero star food hygiene rating Auntie Anne's is an American franchised chain of pretzel shops founded by Anne Beiler and her husband, Jonas, in 1988. It has approximately 1,200 locations worldwide. There is another Auntie Anne's franchise in Brighton train station, which was inspected on February 4, 2025 and received a five - the highest food hygiene rating.
The Food Standards Agency said: "Businesses which are given low ratings must make urgent or major improvements to hygiene standards. "The local authority food safety officer has several enforcement options available as well as giving advice and guidance to make sure these improvements are made. "The food safety officer will also tell the business how quickly these improvements must be made and this will depend on the type of issue that needs to be addressed.
"If the officer finds that a business's hygiene standards are very poor and there is an imminent risk to public health, when food may be unsafe to eat, the officer must act to ensure consumers are protected. "This could result in stopping part of the business or closing it down completely until it is safe to recommence." Auntie Anne's has been contacted for comment.
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