FOOD fans can enjoy Oxford's array of restaurants and takeaways safe in the knowledge none currently have a zero rating for hygiene – compared with nine in nearby Swindon.

According to the Scores on the Doors website, which is updated by local councils with the latest results of hygiene inspections, Oxford has just one business with the lowest rating, Globe Newsmarket in Woodstock Road.

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The rating, which means 'urgent improvement necessary' is judged by looking at food safety standards, the cleanliness of the building and how confident inspectors are in management.

It is not all good news, 24 businesses still have the second lowest score and there have been several zero-rated restaurants in recent years.

Branca Food in Walton Street, Jericho was temporarily closed down in October 2017, when staff were accused of forging temperature records.

See more of the latest food hygiene scores from across Oxfordshire

An inspection found it posed an ‘imminent risk of injury to health.’

It reopened the following day after issues were addressed but still had a zero star rating until a new inspection in October.

The business bounced back, however, and was awarded a full five stars in October last year.

Grillers and Pizzas in Cowley Road, meanwhile, was temporarily shut down in August after 'heavy fly activity' was found as well as 'filthy conditions, no hot water and contamination risks'.

The business is now rated three stars. Across the whole of Oxfordshire there are six restaurants and takeaways listed as of May 14 with the lowest rating.

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These are the SOFEA in Didcot, the George and Dragon in Sutton Courtenay, the Red Lion in Brightwell-cum-Sotwell, Zaara in Bicester and Banbury's Delhi Indian Takeaway.

It also includes Anokhi Indian in Wallingford, however, it was revealed in March by owner Shomosta Majumba that the restaurant had been evicted from its High Street premises by the landlord.

It comes after new rules came into force on takeaway site Just Eat this month with any takeaway that has a hygiene rating of zero banned from the site until it gets at least a three star rating.

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Ian Wright, Oxford City Council’s head of regulatory services and community safety, said: "It’s good news for consumers that there are currently no zero rated restaurants or takeaways in Oxford.

“We prioritise low performing food businesses for hygiene inspections with the aim of protecting public health and encouraging them to improve."

He added: “If a restaurant or take away is zero rated then the council will take formal enforcement action and we will be actively involved in ensuring the business is carrying out the urgent improvements that are necessary. If a business does not improve then further enforcement action will be taken."

Mr Wright said businesses needed to carry out 'substantial improvements' following a zero rating before reinspection.