Pizzeria Gali receive one-out-of-five food hygiene rating

Pizzeria Gali, owned by 45-year-old Miguel Barros, opened in Stag Oak Lane, in Chineham Business Park, on Monday, October 23, and on October 26 it was assessed by food hygiene inspectors. 

Food safety officers rate food hygiene by handling of food, the cleanliness and condition of the building and facilities, and the officer's confidence in the establishment.

Handling of food at Pizzeria Gali, including preparation, cooking, re-heating, cooling, and storage, was found to be generally satisfactory.

SEE PREVIOUS: Pizzeria Gali has opened its doors in Chineham Business Park

The cleanliness and condition of the facilities and building, which can include the appropriate layout, ventilation, hand washing facilities and pest control were found to be in need of some improvement.

It found that major improvement was needed to ensure checks were in place to ensure food served or sold was safe to eat, including improvements to staff's knowledge about food safety.

Pizzeria Gali received an overall hygiene rating of one, meaning major improvement was necessary.

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Mr Barros said: "Our inspection came three days after opening, and there were a few issues regarding the disposal of food waste, and the chefs having their own completed food hygiene certificate courses under a different restaurant, which they no longer had access to after starting at the pizzeria.

"As a result, we closed the pizzeria for a couple of days while I sorted out the waste disposal agreement with the council, and paid for all chefs to redo their food hygiene courses under Pizzeria Gali.

"This was all done within a number of days of the inspection taking place and we were back and open for business on Monday, October 30. Since then, we have rescheduled another inspection, which by law must be at least three months and will be coming up soon, and we are ready to get our five-star rating."

A spokesperson for Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council said: "We can confirm that Pizzeria Gali was rated ‘one – major improvement necessary’ under the National Food Hygiene Rating Scheme following an inspection on October 26, 2023.

"Our environmental health team is working with this business to ensure that the deficiencies found at the time of the inspection are rectified. Under the terms of the food hygiene rating scheme administered by the Food Standards Agency the business must keep its current rating for a minimum of three months before they can apply for a re-rating visit.

"You can verify the ratings of food businesses by visiting the food hygiene ratings website at ratings.food.gov.uk."