A SUSHI bar which only opened earlier this year has been rated as one out of five for its hygiene standards.

Officers from Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council’s environmental health team visited Yamazaki Sushi Bar, in Feathers Lane, Top of The Town, to carry out a routine inspection.

During the visit on February 26, the officers found that major improvements were needed for the management of food safety.

The officers inspected various aspects of the independent restaurant, including the hygienic handling of food such as preparation, cooking, re-heating and storage; hand washing facilities; and the systems in place to ensure food is safe to eat.

As a result of the inspection, the restaurant was given a one out of five for its hygiene, the second lowest after nought.

When the Gazette requested to see a copy of the inspector’s report from the borough council, it was informed that an investigation had been launched by officers.

A spokesperson from the borough council said: “As the restaurant is currently the subject of an ongoing legal investigation, we are unable to release the hygiene report to you at this time.

“The environmental health team are working with the restaurant to ensure that the deficiencies that we found at the time of the inspection are rectified.”

Under the terms of the food hygiene rating scheme, restaurants must keep its current rating for a minimum of three months before they can apply for a re-rating visit.

Yamazaki Sushi Bar did not respond to a request for comment.