Over 40 Leeds takeaways have a zero hygiene rating from City Council, LS can reveal.

Following a Freedom of Information (FOI) Request submitted by this paper, the Council revealed several in popular student takeaways given a zero, including Nemo’s Fish Bar, Zulfi’s in Headingley and Shawarma on the Otley run route.

A zero rating is defined as needing “urgent” improvement. The ratings are based on how hygienically the food is handled, the condition of the buildings and how the business makes sure what it does to food is safe.

Leeds City Council revisited 28 out of the 43 premises following their original inspections.

LS spoke to Nemo’s Fish Bar who claimed that their rating had improved since their last inspection in December.

They argued this was because they have “done what the Council requested”.

However, a new inspection has not yet been completed to determine whether their rating will actually improve. The fish bar is due for inspection in March.

Shawarma sandwich shop on Raglan Road refused to comment on their hygiene rating which was last reviewed in July of last year.

LS also contacted Zulfi’s who said that the management changed “two or three months ago” and hadn’t had an inspection since. The takeaway’s next inspection is in April.

A second year computer science student said: “It’s pretty gross that these takeaways still get to serve unsuspect- ing students when they have such poor hygiene.”

Neil Walshaw, councillor for Headingley, told LS: “We regularly inspect [takeaways] and we prosecute offenders. Always report anything you think is suspect.”

Maddy Keating