Welshpool’s McDonald’s has improved its hygiene rating after a low score last year but remains below a perfect five-star rating.

The Welshpool branch of McDonald’s on the Enterprise Park in Buttington, which opened in May 2021, was given a food hygiene rating of three, out of a possible five.

It follows an inspection in 2023 that saw the chain receiving a rating of one after inspectors found a fly infestation.

A Food Hygiene Rating Scheme of three means that inspectors found conditions in the business to be satisfactory, but short of the “very good standards” required for a rating of five.

At the inspection, the officer will check how hygienically the food is handled, the physical condition of the business and how the business manages ways of keeping food safe, looking at processes, training and systems to ensure good hygiene is maintained.

The results of an inspection at the Welshpool McDonald’s carried out in 2023 were revealed in November, a food hygiene rating of one due to a fly infestation on the property.

At the time, Cllr Richard Church, cabinet member for a safer Powys, said: “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.

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“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.”

Following the report, the fast food chain confirmed that it was taking steps to address the issues raised, adding that it was "confident" the store's standards have now improved.

They 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."

The latest Powys food hygiene ratings:

  • Rated 5: Staff Canteen at The Burger Manufacturing Company, Unit 3, Wyeside Enterprise Park, Llanelwedd; rated on January 19.
  • Rated 5: Bradleys at Middleton Street, Llandrindod Wells, Powys; rated on January 11.
  • Rated 2: Helping Our Homeless Wales, at Community Luncheon Club, The Old Scout Hut, Llanelwedd, rated on December 18.
  • Rated 4: New Inn, at Darren Road, Bwlch, Brecon. Rated on December 14.