THE number of takeaways with zero food hygiene ratings in Darlington has increased to three.

China House, a takeaway at 61 Alverton Drive, Darlington was given the minimum score after assessment on April 28, the Food Standards Agency's website shows.

Read more: 21 North East businesses get one or zero star food hygiene rating - list

It means that of Darlington's 145 takeaways with ratings, 121 have ratings of five and just three have zero ratings.

The Northern Echo: China House, on Alverton Drive China House, on Alverton Drive

The other two to have received the lowest rating are Royal ‘King of Spice’, on Yarm Road, and Country Cuisine, on Brinkburn Road.

Read more: 21 North East businesses get one or zero star food hygiene rating - list

The Food Standards Agency ruled there is a ‘major improvement necessary’ in all areas for the Chinese takeaway. It rates all establishments based on: hygienic food handling; cleanliness and condition of the facilities and building; and management of food safety.

The Northern Echo: Royal, on Yarm RoadRoyal, on Yarm Road

However, Royal and Country Cuisine were both told there is an ‘urgent improvement necessary’ when officers inspected its management of food safety. They both received ‘major improvement necessary’ for the other two areas.

Both businesses received the latest rating in March.

Darlington Council said the full inspection reports were not available to view yet.

All three businesses were contacted for comment but did not respond. 

The Northern Echo: Country Cuisine, on Brinkburn RoadCountry Cuisine, on Brinkburn Road

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