Food hygiene standards for takeaways in the borough are some of the worst in the country, a new study shows.

Data shows that 34.4 per cent of Havering’s 180 inspected takeaways and sandwich shops achieved a rating of zero or a one or two out of five.

According to the Food Standards Agency, three food outlets have recorded the poorest rating of zero on their last inspection - which means “urgent improvement necessary”.

The zero rated places include Chop Suey Centre, Collier Row Road, Collier Row, Top Kebab, High Street, Hornchurch and Zaafran, Main Road, Gidea Park.

The takeaways and restaurant were visited by inspectors in 2016.

It comes as a stark comparison to data in 2015, when the Recorder reported how Havering was the only borough in London to have no zero-rated eateries.

Just 40 per cent of those inspected received the higher band ratings of four and five.

The Food Standards Agency rates hygiene standards in restaurants, pubs, cafes, takeaways, hotels and other places you eat, as well as supermarkets and other food shops.

The watchdog’s website holds the data from inspections carried out by each local authority under the Food Hygiene Ratings Scheme.

Before awarding a food hygiene rating, an inspection will take place looking at how hygienically the food is handled, the condition of buildings and how the business manages what it does to make sure food is safe, ensuring standards will be maintained in the future.

Every business that serves food is awarded with a hygiene rating between zero and five following an inspection.

Food establishments in Wales and Northern Ireland are required to clearly display the rating that they receive under the scheme, with England to follow suit from 2019.

All three food outlets and Havering Council have been approached for comment.