Manchester United restores five-star food hygiene rating
Manchester United has secured its five-star food hygiene rating at Old Trafford, marking a significant turnaround for the club following a troubling two-year period that saw standards decline sharply, reports BritPanorama.
This news is particularly welcome for the club, which has found new momentum on the pitch under the management of Michael Carrick, recently achieving impressive victories against Arsenal and in the Manchester derby.
Inspectors visiting the stadium earlier this month conferred top marks for cleanliness, food safety management, and hygienic handling, a commendable improvement from previous assessments that had caused embarrassment for the club.
The decline began in December 2024 when the stadium received a one-star rating after several incidents, including guests at a corporate event being served undercooked chicken, leading to numerous complaints from attendees. Such reports triggered a stringent inspection regime.
During follow-up evaluations, the club faced increasing scrutiny as inspectors discovered a range of health and safety concerns, from mould in dishwashers to rodent droppings found in several areas, including premium hospitality suites. The situation worsened further with a rating drop to just two stars, much to the chagrin of club officials.
In response to the findings, Manchester United implemented a detailed pest control strategy and pledged to address reported issues promptly. Staff reportedly expressed deep concern and were committed to elevating the operational standards of the stadium, which presents unique challenges given its age, location, and extensive catering facilities serving a large number of visitors each season.
After significant efforts, the club has evidently managed to restore its top rating, a testament to the hard work put into improving hygiene standards. Now, as fans celebrate both functional hygiene and footballing success, the focus will inevitably shift to maintaining these standards in the demanding environment of a Premier League venue.
In the world of sports, it’s not uncommon for success and setbacks to intertwine; the return to a five-star rating serves as a reminder that even a prestigious club like Manchester United is not immune to the trials of maintaining excellence, whether on the pitch or off it.
