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One of Jersey's top hotels has been handed the lowest possible rating by the island's official food safety and hygiene scheme.
In June this year, the four-star luxury hotel, Chateau La Chaire - a flagship visitor destination - received a zero ‘Eat Safe’ rating. Other zero ratings also went to the Beachcombers Hotel, Flag and Whistle (Newdawn Catering), Tamarind, and Wally’s Chippy.
Approximately one half (542) of island food businesses have received a five-star 'Eat Safe' rating, whilst 19 businesses have received a rating of two or zero.
The rating for Chateau La Chaire was published on 15 June 22. The hotel’s website currently states the restaurant will be closed for lunch and dinner until September while “essential refurbishment works are completed to its kitchen."
Pictured: The establishments with a zero rating (Source: gov.je)
Environmental Health officials say the ratings are a result of a lengthy process and not a one-off inspection, with businesses given the opportunity to address any issues before a rating is published.
A three-star rating and above implies that businesses are “fully compliant with the Jersey Food Law”, whilst a two-star rating suggests “low level of compliance” with the law.
According to the Eat Safe website, a rating of zero means that a business is a, "...non-compliant performer, a general failure to comply with the Jersey Food Law with major effort required to rectify issues."
Officials say the Eat Safe ratings are a preventative measure, and must legally be displayed publicly - standards inspected include handling and storage of food, how food is prepared, cleanliness of facilities, and how food safety is managed. Businesses are also inspected on their record-keeping regarding the dates of food deliveries and temperatures, as well as their policies.
Food audit inspections occur anywhere between every six months to three years but are dependent on each business’ level of risk and compliance.
Express has contacted Chateau La Chaire and Visit Jersey for comment.
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