Welshpool's McDonald's was given a one-star hygiene rating after inspectors found a fly infestation in the property.

The fast food chain has now confirmed it has taken steps to address the issues raised, adding that it is "confident" the store's standards have now improved.

On September 9 the Welshpool branch of McDonald’s, located on the Enterprise Park in Buttington, was given a food hygiene rating of one out of a possible five.

The restaurant, previously referred to as the best McDonald’s in the country by a Michelin-star chef, first opened in May 2021.

Welshpool McDonald’s held a five-star rating from September 2021 until its most recent review, when the establishment received just one star, which is now displayed in the window in accordance with guidelines.

READ MORE: 'World's best' Welshpool McDonald's displays one-star hygiene rating

Powys Council’s Food Standards Agency were reportedly called to the restaurant as a result of a public complaint concerning flies on the premises.

Cllr Richard Church, cabinet member for a safer Powys, said: “We inspect food businesses across Powys to ensure they follow food hygiene and safety regulations so that the food is safe to eat.

“Following a complaint from a member of the public concerning flies within the premises, environmental health officers carried out a visit to investigate and undertake a full Food Hygiene Rating Scheme inspection.

“During the visit, environmental health officers noted a large number of flies throughout the premises and the cleanliness of the premises fell short of food hygiene and safety requirements.  A Food Hygiene Rating Score of one was subsequently awarded.”

County Times:

A rating of 1 means that major improvements are needed, having scored between 45 and 50 points in the assessment, with restaurants usually receiving the rating as a result of multiple breaches of food hygiene rules as well as a lack of training among staff.

Cllr Church added: “Management of the premises were immediately advised what was required to ensure compliance with food hygiene and safety law.  A revisit was undertaken by an environmental health officer within days to assess progress with compliance.

“The food business operator has 21 days to appeal the rating they were given and the appeal period is still in place.

“To date, no request for a Food Hygiene Rating Scheme re-rating inspection has been made. The food business operator will keep their current rating until their next routine unannounced full inspection.”

In response to the rating, a McDonald's spokesperson said: “At McDonald’s, we pride ourselves on high standards of cleanliness and food hygiene, and strive to maintain a food hygiene rating of 5 in all of our restaurants, which our Welshpool restaurant has held since it was first rated in September 2021.

"A rating of 1 was awarded in this instance and we have immediately put steps in place to remedy the concerns raised, including working with third party food safety experts.

"We are confident that the urgent action we have taken has improved the standards at the store and we will be requesting a re-visit inspection as soon as possible.”