More than fifty food businesses in Walsall have been handed the worst possible hygiene scores during 2025, according to official inspections. The findings raise significant concerns about food safety standards across the borough.
The Lowest Ratings Issued
Data from the Food Standards Agency (FSA) reveals that a total of 53 establishments received a rating of either zero or one star. Every business that serves food is regularly assessed by the agency and given a score from zero to five. This rating is based on three critical areas: the hygiene and cleanliness of the facilities, how food safety is managed, and the actual handling of food.
The most severe rating is zero, which means 'urgent improvement is required'. In 2025, five outlets in Walsall were issued this damning score. Three of them – Chilli Hut on Birchills Street, Smash & Stack on Wednesbury Road, and Khan’s Fish Bar on Milton Street – scored the lowest possible marks in all three assessment categories.
A further 48 businesses were given the second-lowest rating of one star, which indicates 'major improvement is necessary'.
Serious Breaches and Closures
One of the most serious cases uncovered this year involved KayDees on Wolverhampton Road. The premises was forced to close temporarily in March after environmental health officers issued an emergency prohibition notice. The drastic action followed a visit which discovered clear evidence of a mouse infestation, including droppings found underneath a grill.
The business has since been allowed to reopen after making the necessary changes. A follow-up inspection in September resulted in an improved rating of two.
Full List of Rated Outlets
The following Walsall food outlets received a zero or one-star rating from inspections carried out in 2025:
Zero-rated outlets:
- Chilli Hut, 51 Birchills Street – Last inspected 26 September 2025.
- Smash & Stack, 167-171 Wednesbury Road – Last inspected 6 September 2025.
- Khan’s Fish Bar, 69 Milton Street – Last inspected 30 July 2025.
- Iqra Foods Ltd, 48-49 Birchills Street – Last inspected 13 August 2025.
- Bubble Rolls, 167-171 Wednesbury Road – Last inspected 6 September 2025.
One-star rated outlets (selection):
- A&Y Kashmir Halal Meat Ltd, 31 Dalkeith Street.
- Albadar Cash and Carry, 137-138 Stafford Street.
- Chuckery Cafe, 3 Selborne Street.
- Costcutter, 124 Clarkes Lane, Willenhall.
- Khyber Darbar, 10 West Bromwich Street.
- Afghan Grill, 14 Bradford Street.
- Hot Fried Chicken Walsall, 13 Ablewell Street.
- Pizza 2000, 96 Ablewell Street.
- Thai Lanna Restaurant, Hednesford Road, Brownhills.
- Turkish Shawarma, 31 Caldmore Green.
The full list includes a wide range of businesses from cafes and takeaways to restaurants, supermarkets, and snooker clubs, indicating that hygiene issues are not confined to one type of establishment.
These ratings are publicly available to help residents make informed choices about where they eat and shop. Businesses are encouraged to make immediate improvements and can request a re-inspection once they believe standards have been raised.
