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The Noisy Lobster on Avon Beach, Christchurch, given a ‘1’ rating by the Food Standards Agency after latest inspection




Staff at a Christchurch restaurant which dropped from the top food hygiene to the second lowest were said to be “beyond disappointed” by the rating.

The Noisy Lobster on Avon Beach was given the ‘1’ grade after an inspection which ordered “major improvements” following a visit last month. Ratings go from ‘0’ up to ‘5’.

A spokesperson for the restaurant blamed the low score on the absence of documentation and pointed out it had “proudly held a 5-rating for 12 consecutive years”.

The Noisy Lobster on Avon Beach was given a '1' food hygiene rating
The Noisy Lobster on Avon Beach was given a '1' food hygiene rating

In the area of food safety management – systems and checks to ensure that food sold or served is safe to eat, and evidence that staff know about food safety – the inspector ruled “major improvement” was necessary.

Looking at hygienic food handling, the inspector said improvement was needed. However, cleanliness and the condition of facilities was said to be “generally satisfactory”.

In a statement, a spokesperson for the Noisy Lobster said the team was “beyond disappointed” to receive the poor rating.

“This is not reflective of our consistently high standards but relates to isolated issues regarding paperwork and processes,” they said.

“The main shortcoming was the absence of HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points) documentation. This was not a requirement at our last inspection despite similar dishes being on the menu.

“Regardless of the reasons behind the report, it goes without saying that we accept full responsibility that this falls short of our expected standards.

“The safety and satisfaction of our loyal guests and staff are our top priorities, and we want to reassure our guests that we have responded swiftly to the inspector’s findings.

“We have requested a reinspection and have also hired an EHO consultant to ensure our standards remain high whilst we are awaiting this revisit.

“We are extremely grateful for the support of our loyal guests during this difficult time.”



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