Almost 120 food outlets in East Lancashire have officially been deemed in need of ‘urgent’ or ‘major’ hygiene improvements.

The fact that so many restaurants, takeaways, cafes and shops come the lowest two of five ratings for a healthy environment has alarmed MPs who care calling for tougher action to improve standards.

Blackburn MP Kate Hollern and Hyndburn’s Graham Jones are urging people to check the national food standards ‘Scores on the Doors’ website before purchasing food.

Out of a total of 4,473 outlets across East Lancashire 117 come in the lowest to two categories – One ‘Urgent Improvement Necessary’ or Two ‘Major Improvement Necessary’.

The worst figure comes from Hyndburn where 44 of 656 premises come in the bottom two scores.