A popular Vietnamese restaurant in Liverpool city centre has received a zero food hygiene rating following an inspection by council officials. The management of Miss Phở on Renshaw Street has stated they are taking immediate steps to address the issues raised and expect an improved rating in the near future.
Key Takeaways
- Miss Phở, a Vietnamese restaurant on Renshaw Street, was given a zero hygiene rating after a September 3 inspection.
- A zero rating from the Food Standards Agency signifies that 'urgent improvement is necessary'.
- Inspectors required 'major improvement' in hygienic food handling, cleanliness, and food safety management.
- The restaurant's management has hired a consultant and scheduled full staff training to address the findings.
Details of the Inspection
Liverpool City Council's environmental health team inspected Miss Phở on September 3, 2025. The inspection resulted in the lowest possible food hygiene rating of zero. The restaurant, which opened in 2022, is located opposite the Genting Casino on Renshaw Street.
According to the Food Standards Agency (FSA), a zero rating indicates that urgent improvements are required to ensure public safety. The full inspection report has not been made public as the local authority's investigation into the premises is still active.
Areas Requiring 'Major Improvement'
The inspection identified three critical areas where significant changes were needed:
- Hygienic food handling: This includes preparation, cooking, re-heating, cooling, and storage of food.
- Cleanliness and condition of facilities: This covers the general cleanliness, layout, lighting, ventilation, and pest control of the building.
- Management of food safety: This assesses the systems and checks in place to ensure food sold is safe to eat, and whether staff are knowledgeable about food safety.
Earlier this year, the restaurant was temporarily closed, with a notice on the door informing customers that it was undergoing an interior makeover. The recent inspection highlights operational issues beyond the physical appearance of the establishment.
Restaurant's Response and Action Plan
In response to the rating, a representative from Miss Phở acknowledged the problems and outlined a clear plan for improvement. They confirmed that corrective measures were implemented immediately following the inspection.
"We had the problems at the start, but we have already started making the improvements and monitor every day. We try our best to deliver the best food and the best service and we’re doing everything we can to make the restaurant better because we value our customers and we know they deserve the best."
The management team is actively working to rectify all the issues identified by the inspectors. They have taken several proactive steps to ensure they meet regulatory standards and regain customer trust.
Steps Toward Improvement
The restaurant has detailed a multi-step plan to address the hygiene concerns. According to their representative, these actions are already underway:
- Hiring a Consultant: Following advice from the council, Miss Phở has engaged a professional food safety consultant to guide them in meeting all legal obligations.
- Staff Training: A comprehensive training program for all staff members has been booked to reinforce best practices in food hygiene and safety.
- Daily Monitoring: The management has implemented a system of daily checks and monitoring to ensure new procedures are followed consistently.
- Scheduled Re-assessment: A follow-up visit from officials is expected on October 14, where the restaurant hopes to demonstrate significant progress.
Understanding Food Hygiene Ratings
Food hygiene ratings are given by local authorities in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The ratings range from 0 to 5:
- 5: Very good
- 4: Good
- 3: Generally satisfactory
- 2: Some improvement is necessary
- 1: Major improvement is necessary
- 0: Urgent improvement is necessary
These ratings help consumers choose where to eat out or shop for food by providing clear information about hygiene standards.
Commitment to Customers
The restaurant's spokesperson emphasised their dedication to their clientele and their desire to resolve the situation swiftly. They acknowledged the seriousness of the rating and expressed a firm commitment to making things right.
"We know our problems and our faults and we’re working hard on that," the representative stated. "We want to reassure our customers everything will be fixed and expect to have the best rating the next time we’re assessed."
This public commitment aims to reassure diners that the management is taking the zero rating seriously and is focused on achieving a high standard of food safety and quality moving forward. The outcome of the next assessment will be a critical indicator of their success.