There are three words Manchester United fans have heard all year, but they now apply to the Old Trafford kitchens rather than matters on the pitch.
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United slapped with grim food hygiene ratingClub told "major improvement necessary"Corporate event left several guests unwellWHAT HAPPENED?
"Major improvement necessary" was the verdict of Trafford Council as it delivered its verdict on a food hygiene inspection carried out last month. The inspection found the club to be deficient in the management of food safety that require that a system and checks are in place to sell or serve food safely and evidence that staff have knowledge of food safety. A new hygiene rating of 1/5 has now been applied to the club.
The inspection was triggered after guests reported feeling unwell after an event Old Trafford, with undercooked chicken believed to be the culprit.
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Given a right to reply on the government's food standards webiste, United said: "Following the isolated incident in one of our kitchens, MUFC quickly took action to ensure immediate failures were addressed. Kitchen staff were rebriefed on MUFC's food safety requirements, kitchen procedures were reviewed and an external audit of all kitchens was commissioned. Going forwards we have increased the frequency of our audit regime to provide assurance to our valued fans and customers.
"MUFC serves thousands of meals each month and has an impeccable track record which led to our 5 star food hygiene rating. Following a thorough investigation, it was confirmed a small amount of undercooked meat was inadvertently served during a non match day event. This was an isolated issue and the immediate failures were quickly addressed. MUFC has taken this incident very seriously and wants to reassure our valued fans and customers that we maintain the highest culinary standards."
Getty THE BIGGER PICTURE
The rating is a blow for United who host a huge number of corporate events which make up a crucial part of match-day income as well as revenue generated on other days. Unlike performances on the pitch which can be turned round with a couple of good results it may take the club months to restore their hygiene rating to its previous level.
Critics of the Glazer regime at Old Trafford will doubtless point to this being yet another symptom of the lack of investment in the infrastructure of the club.
WHAT NEXT FOR UNITED?
Major improvement has been necessary on the pitch as well for the last few weeks. Erik ten Hag's men took a step in the right direction in last weekend's stalemate at Anfield and will be hoping for further progress when they take on West Ham in east London on Saturday.