OVER 100 food service providers in Helston and the Lizard achieved the highest possible rating in their last inspection by the Food Standards Agency.

Two thirds of the 170 premises visited, or 113 business, were rated as five, or very good.

However, the agency found 10 businesses which gave them cause for concern over hygiene, with two companies rated as two, or needing improvement, and a further eight rated as one, in need of major improvement, although there were none with the lowest rating, zero, which signifies urgent improvement is necessary.

A further five businesses were listed on the agency’s website as exempt, meaning they are a low risk business not primarily focused on providing food, or they are a childminder or a business offering catering services at home.

As should be expected, the catering facilities at Helston Community Hospital received the top rating, and almost all healthcare, childcare or other care premises such as day centres, received a four or a five, with just one receiving a three, signifying generally satisfactory.

The Food Standards Agency is a government department responsible for food safety and hygiene, which works with local authorities to enforce food safety regulations.

Its Food Hygiene Rating Scheme is based on inspection by a local authority food safety officer, and the regularity of visits varies from every six months up to every two years, depending on the type of business and the perceived level of risk.

Full restaurant ratings are available at the FSA website http://ratings.food.gov.uk.