Heywood takeaway given lowest possible food hygiene rating

Saturday, 10 January 2026 18:10

By David Murphy

A Heywood takeaway has been ordered to make urgent improvements after receiving the lowest possible food hygiene rating during its most recent inspection.

New Theobello Ltd, based at 1 Bridge Street in Heywood town centre, was visited by a food safety officer from Rochdale Council on 6 December 2025. The inspection found serious failings across all three key areas assessed by the Food Standards Agency.

According to the inspection report, urgent improvement is necessary in hygienic food handling, which includes how food is prepared, cooked, reheated, cooled and stored. The premises also failed in the cleanliness and condition of its facilities and building, including ventilation and hand washing areas. Inspectors highlighted urgent concerns about the management of food safety, noting the absence of systems to ensure food was safe to eat and a lack of confidence in the staff's knowledge or ability to maintain hygiene standards in future.

New Theobello Ltd is classed as a takeaway and sandwich shop and is regulated by Rochdale Council’s Environmental Health team. The Food Hygiene Rating Scheme score, which ranges from 0 (urgent improvement necessary) to 5 (very good), is publicly available online and must also be displayed prominently at the premises.

A rating of 0 is the lowest possible score and indicates a significant risk to public health unless swift action is taken.

The takeaway now has the right to appeal the rating or request a re-inspection once improvements have been made. Businesses are also allowed to submit a 'right to reply' to explain the circumstances around the score or outline any changes made since the visit.