Verdi's - an Italian restaurant at Clarence Park, St Albans - has been given a 1/5 food hygiene rating following a recent inspection.

"Major improvement is necessary" following the visit on Thursday, January 18.

According to the report, 'hygienic food handling' and 'cleanliness and condition of facilities and building' both require improvement.

Meanwhile "major improvement" is necessary in the management of food safety category.

When approached for comment, Verdi's director Terry Di Francesco said that the rating was "not acceptable" and a reinspection has been requested.

He added: "We look forward to this being revisited."

Elsewhere, The Beech Tree Café in Hatfield road has been given a 4/5 rating and Chikizza in Abbots Avenue West was handed a 3/5 score.

The Food Standards Agency ratings are based on the handling, storage and preparation of food at each restaurant.

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Cleanliness of facilities and food management is also considered.

The Food Standards Agency's search function can be used to check hygiene ratings across Hertfordshire and beyond.

This function can be found at www.ratings.food.gov.uk.