A Chinese takeaway in Bury St Edmunds voluntarily closed its kitchen for one week after “significant cleaning and food hygiene management issues” were identified following an environmental health inspection.

East Anglian Daily Times: A picture under the wok range at the takeaway at the council inspection. Picture: WEST SUFFOLK COUNCILSA picture under the wok range at the takeaway at the council inspection. Picture: WEST SUFFOLK COUNCILS (Image: Archant)

Golden House, in Guildhall Street, has been awarded a food hygiene rating of zero following the inspection by west Suffolk councils last month.

It previously held a rating of five – the highest which can be achieved.

East Anglian Daily Times: The wok range after the council returned. Picture: WEST SUFFOLK COUNCILSThe wok range after the council returned. Picture: WEST SUFFOLK COUNCILS (Image: Archant)

The takeaway closed its kitchen to allow a “deep clean” to take place and the council said the business recognised that “things had got out of hand”.

Significant improvements were recorded after the environmental health team returned to the takeaway on January 9.

East Anglian Daily Times: The backyard area at the takeaway. Picture: WEST SUFFOLK COUNCILSThe backyard area at the takeaway. Picture: WEST SUFFOLK COUNCILS (Image: Archant)

The Chinese takeaway says it will “go beyond” the council’s requirements for a re-rating, which has already been applied for.

A council spokeswoman said: “Our role is to protect the community, and help boost the local economy, and we achieve the best results by working with businesses.

East Anglian Daily Times: The backyard on the council's return visit. Picture: WEST SUFFOLK COUNCILSThe backyard on the council's return visit. Picture: WEST SUFFOLK COUNCILS (Image: Archant)

“This is a great example of how our support can make a real difference.

“The business recognised that things had got out of hand, with some significant cleaning and food hygiene management issues identified.

East Anglian Daily Times: Fridge handle at the council inspection. Picture: WEST SUFFOLK COUNCILSFridge handle at the council inspection. Picture: WEST SUFFOLK COUNCILS (Image: Archant)

“Following the environmental health officer’s advice, the business immediately voluntarily closed to make urgent improvements to ensure food safety.

“On a revisit to the business on January 9, it was noted that significant improvements had been made.

East Anglian Daily Times: Fridge handle at the council's return visit. Picture: WEST SUFFOLK COUNCILSFridge handle at the council's return visit. Picture: WEST SUFFOLK COUNCILS (Image: Archant)

“We are confident that their rating will significantly improve should they request a re-rating when eligible in three months’ time.”

A spokesman for Golden House said: “Our hygiene is a priority and very important to us to deliver the best service to our very loyal customer base.

“We made the decision to close the kitchen to meet the requirements and have been taking advice and guidance from the council.

“We will do our very best and go beyond the requirements for the re-rating.”

The spokesman added that the business has already applied to be re-rated by the council’s health team.