A fast food restaurant in Oldham which was given one of the worst hygiene ratings possible last year, after failing to separate raw and cooked food, is celebrating its 'redemption story' with a new five star rating.

Players, at Elk Mill Retail Park in Royton, was given a 'one' star hygiene rating towards the end of last year, meaning major improvement was necessary.

Possible ratings range from zero - the worst - to five, the best.

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An inspector warned the branch about separating raw and cooked food after discovering uncooked chicken was being stored above sauces, and coleslaw was next to burgers in the fridge.

According to the Food Standards Agency, “keeping raw and ready-to-eat food separate is essential to prevent harmful bacteria from spreading".

Failure to separate food could result in salmonella, with symptoms including diarrhoea, fever and stomach cramps which could be dangerous for young children, elderly people and pregnant women.

The Oldham premises of the fast food chain, which serves a range of burgers, waffles, shakes, and even a chicken roast, was also told it needed to provide hand drying facilities next to the hand wash basin.

Supervisors and managers were told to get a level 2 food hygiene qualification.

Now, the team are celebrating as staff have taken the advice on board and received a fresh hygiene rating of five stars in its latest re-inspection.

The report on the Food Standards Agency rated Players as 'very good' in two areas - hygiene food handling and the cleanliness and condition of the facilities and building - and 'good' in the third category which covers the management of food safety.

A spokesperson for the restaurant said: "The initial one-star food hygiene rating undoubtedly had a significant impact on Players Oldham.

"It eroded customer trust and confidence in the restaurant's cleanliness and food safety standards.

"Negative reviews or word-of-mouth spread had deterred potential diners, leading to a decline in foot traffic and revenue.

"Additionally, media coverage and online articles about the low rating had further tarnished the restaurant's reputation, making it challenging to attract new customers and retain existing ones."

Despite this, the restaurant boss said the team remained "resilient" and were retrained in food safety.

He continued: "Rather than succumbing to despair, my team at Players Oldham took decisive action to address the issues highlighted by the inspection.

"We implemented rigorous hygiene protocols, retrained staff on food safety practices, and thoroughly cleaned and sanitised the premises.

"Moreover, we have invested in upgrading equipment and facilities to ensure compliance with health and safety standards.

"Our hard work and dedication paid off when Players Oldham received a five-star hygiene rating upon re-inspection.

"This significant improvement not only validated the efforts undertaken but also served as a testament to the restaurant's resilience and determination to deliver top-notch service."

With this shiny five star rating under their belt, the manager hopes customers will return to the restaurant once again.

The spokesperson said: "With renewed confidence in cleanliness and food safety standards, we hope that Players Oldham can experience a resurgence in business, as satisfied customers return and new ones are attracted by the positive reputation.

"The journey from a one-star to a five-star rating is not just a story of redemption but also a lesson in perseverance and continuous improvement for Players Oldham."

Do you have a restaurant with a story to share or promote? Get in touch Olivia.bridge@newsquest.co.uk