Six food outlets in Luton have received a zero-star rating for food hygiene from the Food Standards Agency.
The Food Hygiene Rating Scheme is run by Luton Borough Council in partnership with the Agency.
A rating of zero means urgent improvement is needed.
Each business is inspected by a food safety officer from the council and given a hygiene rating.
Ratings are based on how the food is handled, the condition of the structure of the building and how the business manages and records what is done to make sure food is safe.
Five businesses on Dunstable Road, Al Deen, Buffet 106 ltd, Haji & Sons, Shawarma Cafe and The Grill House, were all given the lowest grade.
Royal Peri Peri, of Leagrave Road, was also given a zero.
A spokesman for the council said: “The majority of premises in Luton have excellent hygiene and cleanliness ratings and we are committed to improving standards to the very few that are falling short of the expected standard.
“Officers are working very closely with each of the premises with a zero rating and taking a graduated approach to securing and improving compliance.
“Some of the premises have already started making improvements and if this is sustained they will get an improved hygiene rating at the next unannounced inspection.
“The Council is currently offering free accredited practical training to the highest risk businesses (0-2 rating) that will provide them with the necessary support, knowledge and skills to improve their hygiene practices and, in turn, help them achieve a better hygiene rating in the future.”
The owners of Haji & Sons, Tarik Rashid and Mohammed Munir, were prosecuted by the council in August for food safety offences. They pleaded guilty to 12 hygiene offences and had to pay fines totalling £1,000 plus a £100 victim surcharge each, as well as the council’s costs of £1,400.
At the time, they told the court they are now using a different pest control company and have food safety procedures in place.
For more information and to see how other businesses in the area were rated, visit: http://ratings.food.gov.uk