Tower Hamlets has the fourth highest number of food premises in London which have been given a zero-rating for its hygiene.

According to the Food Standards Agency the borough has 26 businesses that have been given the worst rating available following an inspection of its premises by the council’s environmental health officers.

All were rated according to how hygienically the food is handled, including how it is prepared, cooked, re-heated and cooled.

The condition of their business premises’ structure including the cleanliness, layout, lighting, ventilation and other facilities are also taken into consideration.

In addition the way the businesses manages and records what it does to make sure food is safe also goes towards their ratings.

The ratings are then published on the Food Standards Agency website.

Camden has the highest number of zero-rated food premises with 44 followed by Westminster with 36 and Croydon in south London has the third highest number with 31.

A spokeswoman for Tower Hamlets Council said: “Tower Hamlets has a world-wide reputation for our huge variety of restaurants which are admired by those who live and work in the area, and the many millions who visit Tower Hamlets every year.

“We have almost 3,000 food premises in the borough and 81 per cent have a three or above rating.

“This shows that the vast majority of businesses operate responsibly, and for those that perform poorly we take a tough stance.

“Last year we shut down 11 premises and raised over £93,000 through enforcement action.”

Urban Braai restaurant in Whitechapel was reinspected yesterday and has now been given a food hygiene rating of four.

Businesses are not required to display their ratings so if you would like to check you can do so by visiting ratings.food.gov.uk.