Popeyes in Stowmarket Faces Criticism for Food Hygiene and Staff Treatment

Popeyes, a new American chicken shop in Stowmarket, has been the subject of several complaints regarding food poisoning and poor handling. Since its opening in June, the restaurant has faced criticism for alleged incidents of raw chicken and offal being served to customers, as well as concerns over the mistreatment of staff. A Freedom of Information request revealed that four complaints have been sent to the Mid Suffolk District Council's food standards team relating to the business.

Key Takeaways:

• Four complaints have been lodged with the Mid Suffolk District Council's food standards team since Popeyes opened in June, with two relating to food hygiene practices and two to customers falling ill after eating at the restaurant.
• The restaurant was rated a four, or "Good," under the food hygiene scheme, despite concerns over food safety and staff treatment.
• A customer, Zoe Chaplin, was served offal at the restaurant and called for better training for staff, stating she would not be returning to eat there.
• Another customer reported being served raw chicken, and a spokesman for the franchise operator, EG on The Move, claimed that they take health and safety extremely seriously and have strict procedures in place.
• The restaurant issued a statement stating that it had been awarded a "Good" food hygiene rating by the Food Standards Agency, reflecting the training and development provided to staff.

Statistics:

• 4 complaints were lodged with the Mid Suffolk District Council's food standards team since Popeyes opened in June.
• 2 complaints were related to food hygiene practices at the restaurant.
• 2 complaints were made in relation to customers falling ill after eating at the restaurant.
• The restaurant was rated a 4, or "Good," under the food hygiene scheme.

Sources:

• Popeyes in Stowmarket Faces Criticism for Food Hygiene and Staff Treatment. By Madeline Flaherty.
• "Following a food hygiene inspection, we were satisfied that the necessary steps are in place to ensure food safety standards are being met and rated the premises '4 Good' under the Food Hygiene Ratings scheme." - A spokesman for Mid Suffolk District Council.
• "We will continue to carry out routine inspections when due." - A spokesman for Mid Suffolk District Council.
• "I think it's appalling", said Zoe Chaplin, who was previously served offal at the restaurant when she took her eight-year-old son Mason to visit responded to the news of the small number of complaints lodged with the council.
• "I will not be back to eat there." - Zoe Chaplin.