A TAKEAWAY that had the lowest food hygiene rating possible before bouncing back has again been downgraded after its latest re-inspection.

But Happy Taste staff have told us they believe it should have received a higher rating.

In May we reported Happy Taste was downgraded to zero stars by Food Standards Agency (FSA).

After the venue was allowed to stay open the FSA gave it two stars in July, but inspectors revisited the venue on October 25 and lowered it to the one star rating.

A report into the Orchard Street-based venue reveals that "major improvement' was necessary in the management of food safety - which looks at the system or checks in place to ensure that food sold or served is safe to eat, evidence that staff know about food safety, and the food safety officer has confidence that standards will be maintained in future.

The report also found major improvement was necessary in hygienic food handling, which includes preparation, cooking, re-heating, cooling and storage.

Happy Taste's standards in cleanliness and conditions of the facilities and the building were found to be generally satisfactory.

Prior to receiving the zero stars the venue had been rated one stars for nearly four years.

A spokesman for Happy Taste said: "We don't think it is fair we received a one star rating - we should have had at least two stars.

"After we received the zero stars we shut Happy Taste and cleaned everything. We are now waiting reinspection."

In receiving the rating the Chinese takeaway joins the short list of food businesses in the city with one star, which includes Age UK Worcester And District Lunch Club in Bilford Court, Your’s Pizza Bite / Little India in Ronkswood Hill, O Nosso Cafe in London Road and Pepes Piri Piri in Lowesmoor.

Each food business must display the FSA rating on the venue and online.

Helen Cameron, food safety manager at Worcestershire Regulatory Services, said: “The food hygiene ratings are about putting power into the hands of the public because they can see at a glance the standard of hygiene in restaurants, cafes, take-aways and food retailers. We encourage people to alert us to any issues they find at food outlets on 01905 822799 or food.gov.uk.”