A number of restaurants and other food businesses in Newquay have been praised for their hygiene standards, after many came through their most recent inspections with flying colours.
The Cornish Guardian has obtained figures that show 54 firms in the town received the highest possible rating in their examination this year. Earlier this month, it was revealed that nine companies had scored just one star or less, but the fact six times this number hit the top mark will be a great boost to the resort.
Every food business - such as restaurants, cafes, shops and takeaways - is inspected and given a score between zero and five stars under the new National Food Hygiene Rating Scheme. It was only brought in this year and enables consumers to learn more about the environment in which their meals are prepared.
It can be vital for restaurants to secure good marks, as these are publicly available and below-par scores could put diners off their establishment.
Vasant Maru of The Maharajah restaurant told the newspaper: "If you're in the food business then you have to keep your kitchen clean and documentation up to date, it's as simple as that.
"This is your bread and butter, your business and you should take pride in it. People are looking for excuses but there are none. In cooking language, if you can't stand the heat then get out of the kitchen."
It certainly pays to invest in cleaning products and keep high standards throughout the kitchen, as not only can this help to entice customers into a restaurant, it can also prevent prosecution and possible penalties.
Mr Maru's son Veeray, who runs another restaurant in Newquay, added that he has always been taught to work to the highest standards and ensure cleanliness at all times.
Such an approach seems to be a shrewd one to take and relies not only on excellent cleaning materials but also training and staff commitment and desire.
