York coffee shop gets one-star hygiene rating and is told ‘major improvements needed’

A branch of Costa Coffee in York has been given a lowly one star in the latest food hygiene ratings.

The drive-through branch on Eboracum Way, built into the Travelodge, was given one out of five by the Food Standards Agency.

Inspectors visited on 9 August, and the rating was updated yesterday (Saturday, 18 September).

They deemed major improvement was necessary in the management of food safety. This includes the systems in place to ensure that food sold or served is safe to eat, and evidence that staff know about food safety.

And improvement was necessary in both hygienic food handling and the cleanliness and condition of the building and its facilities.

Inspectors also had ‘little confidence’ in the branch management.

The Eboracum Way drive-through is a popular destination, with queues of cars at busy times.

A spokesperson for Costa Coffee said: “Costa Coffee takes all food hygiene ratings extremely seriously and we were disappointed and concerned with the rating given to our Eboracum Drive-Thru store.

“Following the inspection, we took immediate action to rectify all concerns, including closing the store for a deep clean, installing new equipment, and retraining team members.

“We are applying to the local authority for a re-inspection, which we are confident will find the store to be operating to a high standard of cleaning and hygiene once again.”