Shop improves standards after council inspection finds multiple breaches
Amaglobal Foods, an African and Caribbean food shop on Ramsgate in central Stockton, has had its food hygiene rating raised from 0 to 3 after making a series of improvements following an environmental health visit in June.
Stockton Council’s environmental health team carried out the initial inspection in June and recorded a number of shortcomings, ranging from an absence of a formal food safety management system to issues with surface cleanliness and the storage of food in the walk-in freezer.
"We welcome the outcome of the official revisit inspection, which has resulted in our food hygiene rating increasing from zero to three," said Amadi Godwin, director of Amaglobal Foods Ltd.
After the re-inspection on 21 July, the council’s latest report noted that the business had introduced a food safety management procedure and that controls appeared to be in place.
What the shop changed
According to the business, the measures implemented included:
- a comprehensive deep clean of the premises
- a formal food safety management system
- additional staff training and plans for refresher training
- daily cleaning schedules and routine food safety checks
- improvements to surfaces and storage — including hygienic wall cladding and dedicated hand wash facilities
- better labelling and separation of cleaning items from food
The council’s re-inspection report confirmed progress but reiterated that staff still require a specified level of food hygiene training, and recommended refresher courses every three years.
Context and local impact
A jump from a zero rating — which signals urgent improvement is required — to a three (generally regarded as satisfactory) will be welcome for customers and the business alike, but it does not remove the need for ongoing compliance and training. Food hygiene ratings are intended as a snapshot based on an inspection date; they inform shoppers and help councils focus further enforcement or advisory work where necessary.
| Inspection | Date | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Initial inspection | June | 0 |
| Re-inspection | 21 July | 3 |
Residents who buy specialist ingredients from local independent shops may wish to check the Food Standards Agency’s online rating scheme for the latest information on individual premises. The council continues to provide guidance and monitor businesses to ensure food is stored, prepared and handled safely.
Amaglobal Foods said it acted promptly to address the council’s recommendations and has introduced ongoing measures to maintain standards.
