A Middlesbrough takeaway has been handed a zero-star food hygiene rating for the second time in less than two years.
Grillisthan, which recently relocated to Linthorpe Road from Parliament Road in Middlesbrough, received the lowest possible rating following an inspection on June 11.
The Indian takeaway was told that major improvements were necessary in all three key areas, including hygienic food handling, the cleanliness and condition of facilities and the management of food safety.
According to the Food Standards Agency (FSA), inspectors found that major improvements were needed in hygienic food handling, including the preparation, cooking, reheating, cooling and storage of food.
The cleanliness and condition of the premises, including its layout, ventilation, handwashing facilities and pest control measures, were also judged to require major improvement.
(Image: Staff)
Inspectors told business owners that major improvements were necessary in the management of food safety, including the systems and checks in place to ensure food sold or served is safe to eat.
The takeaway was also warned that staff need to be educated on food hygiene protocols and safety.
Grillisthan serves a range of dishes including dum biriyani, mandhi, burgers and grilled chicken.
The takeaway first opened in summer 2024 and was previously based on Parliament Road before moving to its new premises on Linthorpe Road in April this year.
Food hygiene records show the business was also given a zero-star food hygiene rating at its former Parliament Road premises following an inspection in February 2025.
The Food Standards Agency's hygiene rating scheme scores businesses from zero to five.
A rating of five means hygiene standards are considered "very good", while a rating of zero means "urgent improvement is necessary".
Read more
'Exceptional' new Indian restaurant opens on seafront with beach-inspired bar
Teesside fishmongers handed zero-star rating after major food safety failings
The North East curry restaurant hidden beneath a hotel diners call 'delicious'
Both inspections resulted in a 0-star rating for Grillisthan.
Despite the poor food hygiene rating, the takeaway remains popular with customers.
It holds an average score of 4.5 out of five from Google reviewers.
Grillisthan will be able to appeal the rating if it feels the inspection was unfair or incorrect, and can also request a revisit inspection once improvements have been made.
The Northern Echo has contacted Grillisthan for comment.