MORE than 200 food businesses in Bradford district face losing over half their customers due to poor food hygiene, new research has found.

Management solutions firm Checkit said ten per cent (222) of restaurants, cafes, canteens, mobile caterers, pubs, takeaways, sandwich shops and hotels in the district had Food Standards Agency rating of two or less. The system rates out of five.

The company claimed that 61 per cent of customers in the city would refuse to visit premises with low food hygiene ratings - and that they would rather put up with poor service and rude staff.

Takeaways and sandwich shops were the worst sector for low food hygiene ratings, with 16 per cent of Bradford businesses scoring two or under.

"Food hygiene is now the number one priority for consumers when eating out, meaning our research should act as a wake up call for those restaurants in Bradford with poor food hygiene ratings," said Dee Roche, marketing director for Checkit. "As well as the health of their customers they are risking the survival of their business – few of them could cope with 61 per cent of diners boycotting their restaurant.

"These findings show why food safety is priority – customers rate hygiene as the number one reason, above service or rude staff when it comes to choosing whether to return to a restaurant."

Councillor Ralph Berry, Bradford Council's executive member for health, said the figures showed that the rankings system worked, and added: "The whole point of the food hygiene rankings is to make sure people are aware of the standards of the businesses they eat at.

"This shows that the system is working, which is good, and that businesses better get themselves into a position where they ensure that they up their rating."

Cllr Berry said the Council supported businesses in improving their food hygiene rating, and added: "It is the Council and businesses working together. The main benefit is for people's health and well-being.

"I certainly look at the ratings."

Cllr Mike Gibbons, Conservative spokesman for health on the Council, said: "We have a considerable number of eating establishments in the Bradford district of varying types and, regrettably, standards vary greatly.

"It is quite disappointing to hear of restaurants with figures of two, or sometimes less. They are letting themselves down but, overall, they are disappointing their customers and, in some cases, risking ill health."

He added: "In today's market, it is possible to have cleanliness and hygiene of the highest standard, and simple cleanliness should not be beyond anyone's capabilities.

"If you cannot keep your business clean, fresh and inviting, I question whether you should be in that business."