DETAILS of the levels of hygiene of businesses serving food in Brentwood are now available to view online.

The system doesn’t only include ratings for restaurants, but also ice cream and burger vans, Hopefield Animal Sanctuary and the Brentwood Centre.

Senior environmental health officer Mark Sanbury told the Recorder that his team investigates any businesses that provides food for the public “even if it only serves a packet of crisps”.

Only one business, Pizza Go Go, Ongar Road, received the lowest possible rating of zero meaning that urgent improvement is necessary, but 30 received the second lowest which states that major improvement is needed.

Businesses are judged on their physical features, cleanliness and storage, and risk-assessment management.

Cllr Jan Pound, vice-chairman of the environment, housing and scrutiny panel, said that the idea behind the scheme is not to name and shame businesses, but to help them improve.

Mr Sanbury said: “I might be doing myself out of a job long-term, but what I’m aiming for is to get all premises up to the top standard.”

He admits that some businesses don’t appreciate his team turning up to carry out unannounced inspections, but feels that it can encourage them to improve their standards.

He said: “We’re obviously going to see more by just arriving and seeing businesses how they actually are. But our job is not just about enforcement, it’s also about enabling them to do better. There’s no reason why any business can’t achieve a five-star rating in the long-term.” To view the ratings visit ratings.food.gov.uk.