Two takeaways in the Maldon district have been handed new food hygiene ratings. 

Seafood Shack, based at the Stone Inn in Main Road, St Lawrence, was given five out of five.

The maximum score for the takeaway follows an assessment on May 6, the Food Standards Agency's website shows.

Kabin Snax, a takeaway in Spital Road, Maldon, was given a four out of five rating after assessment on April 8, the Food Standards Agency's website shows.

It means that of Maldon's 46 takeaways with ratings, 28 have ratings of five and none have zero ratings.

The inspections are carried out by the local authority and findings are updated on the FSA website whenever there is a new inspection conducted by the council. 

Thanks to the Food Standards Agency (FSA) we get to look out what each of the hygiene ratings is for the different locations. 

The inspections are carried out by the local authority and findings are updated on the FSA website whenever there is a new inspection conducted by the council. 

What the ratings mean:

There are six different ratings that a venue can be awarded from 0 to 5.

5 - Hygiene standards are very good

4 – Hygiene standards are good

3 – Hygiene standards are generally satisfactory

2 – Some improvement is necessary

1 – Major improvement is necessary

0 – Urgent improvement is required

How are places assessed?

Inspectors look at a few different key elements when assessing the hygiene of a restaurant including: 

How hygienically the food is handled- such as how its prepared, cooked, re-heated, cooled, and stored.

The condition of the structure of the buildings – the cleanliness, layout, lighting, ventilation, and other facilities.

How the business manages what it does to make sure food is safe and so that the officer can be confident standards will be maintained in the future.