A FRIED chicken restaurant has bounced back after being rated zero for food hygiene.

Jaqk's Chicken and Chips Co, in Foregate Street, Worcester, now boasts the top five star rating after a re-inspection on Wednesday, May 3.

The restaurant's new owners were shocked when they found out that the shop had received the lowest rating in an inspection carried out by the Food Standards Agency on Thursday, March 2 – before they had taken over.

Imran Ahmed, aged 35, joint owner of the Worcester branch of Jaqk's, said: "What happened prior to this was nothing to do with us.

"Since we had the rating, sales figures have gone down and people have been surprised as they have been enjoying the food.

"We are planning to keep the five stars. We can't afford not to."

Fellow joint-owner Aqeel Mohammed, aged 36, said the shop has gone "from zero to hero".

Faheem Badur, aged 36, the owner of the Jaqk's brand, said he was shocked after learning of the initial inspection, which called for "urgent improvement".

"I couldn't sleep for days when when we got a zero rating," he said.

"We have changed a lot of processes.We have hired someone in the company to look at hygiene specifically and to give training.

"An inspector comes in on a weekly basis to inspect the food.

"We are back highly motivated and we are keen to make sure that this doesn't happen again."

Helen Cameron, senior practitioner in food health and safety for Worcestershire Regulatory Services, said: “The turnaround at Jaqk’s by the new owner has been swift and it is now operating to a high standard.

"The premises is a very good example of how food officers and owners can work together to ensure good food safety management can be quickly achieved."

A hygiene swab taken during the inspection came back with a reading of zero – the best possible score.

Ms Cameron said food is now being separated and stored properly, equipment is clean, cleaning materials are on site, and wall and floor repairs have been completed.

Staff have received formal training, certificates are on display, an experienced manager has been employed, they have redecorated, and a proper food safety management and monitoring system is in place, she added.

Mr Badur says he is now considering opening up a new restaurant in Worcester in a recycled shipping container.