The restaurant chain led by Karen Forrester was audited by the FSA on hygiene levels regarding food handling, preparation, cooking and storage as well as on the condition, structure and cleanliness of each building and how food hygiene processes are managed and recorded.
Melissa Paradiso, brand protection support manager at TGI Friday's said the high ratings were the latest in a list of awards and accolades for the group, which include a One Star rating from the Sustainable Restaurant Association and third place in the Sunday Times Best Places to Work list.
“Despite us expecting nothing less, we are still delighted to have achieved the great accolade of having all our restaurants receive the top grade achievable in the National Food Hygiene Rating Scheme. It is part of a wider journey to nothing but excellence in all areas of the business at Friday’s which is something our ever-increasing numbers of guests expect," she said.
"Consumers are increasingly taking hygiene into consideration when making their restaurant choices. It doesn’t matter how good the food and drink may be – having perfect hygiene is an absolute basic which every restaurant should have as a core principal."
Protection
Paradiso said 'the notion of protection' – both of guests and team members – had become a core value for the brand. She said there was a continual investment in new systems and building maintenance to ensure food hygiene levels were kept high. Staff are also given training on the best hygiene practices 'to ensure Friday's kitchens are the best and most hygienic in the world.'
Hygiene levels at TGI Friday's have stepped up considerably over the last few years. Four years ago the company's Covent Garden branch was closed for six days and fined £30k after environmental health officers found dead cockroaches, mouse droppings and grease-covered cabinets in its kitchens on a visit in July 2008.
Under the FSA's Food Hygiene Rating Scheme for England, Wales and Northern Ireland, businesses serving food in England and Northern Ireland are advised to display their hygiene rating. The practice is to become compulsory in Wales at the end of this month.