A CHINESE takeaway in Kidderminster has been handed a new one-out-of-five food hygiene rating.

Lai Lam Cuisine Limited, on Comberton Hill, was given the score after an assessment on November 11, the Food Standards Agency's website shows.

The agency rates food and drink establishments based on standards of cleanliness and safety, so customers can make more informed choices about where to buy and eat food and beverages.

A rating of one means major improvement is necessary.

A 2 star rating means "some improvement is necessary", while 3 star means "hygiene standards are generally satisfactory" and 4 star means "hygiene standards are good."

A 5 star rating means "hygiene standards are very good."

Inspectors found that hygienic handling of food including preparation, cooking, re-heating, cooling and storage required major improvement. Management of food safety also requires major improvement, according to the Food Standards Agency. 

Cleanliness and the condition of facilities, including having an appropriate layout, ventilation, hand washing facilities, and pest control, was found to be generally satisfactory.

The restaurant has a 4.5 star rating on Google based on 35 reviews.