A Watford restaurant that got five 1/5 food hygiene ratings has had "no repeat issues", according to Watford Borough Council.

Brazilian and Portuguese restaurant Brazuca Bar has received the second lowest food hygiene rating five times since 2014 for reasons including poor cleaning practices, lack of allergen controls, and the lack of temperature monitoring.

After issues were found, Watford Borough Council took informal action by revisiting to make sure they were addressed, and each time the requested work was completed at the restaurant in Whippendell Road, West Watford.

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Watford’s deputy mayor Aga Dychton said that there “have been no repeat issues to date” and explained that if problems weren’t dealt with a warning would be issued.

She added: “A revisit is planned following the most recent inspection and it may be that more serious enforcement action follows.”

If an eatery still doesn’t take action after being warned, council officers may serve notice or, if there is an imminent risk to public health, a restaurant could be shut down.

“We are consistently tough in terms of our approach to food safety standards and making sure businesses are safe to trade," the deputy mayor added.

“The inspection dates and ratings only show some of the work the EHOs (environmental health officers) do.

“Where there is a repeat issue following consecutive inspections, enforcement action happens swiftly.”

The bar first received a 1/5 eight years ago while trading as Melo Café.

In January 2017, while still under that name, it was rated 2/5, but fell back down to a 1/5 in July 2018 when trading as O Brazuca.

In January 2020 it was given the score again, the first time while trading as Brazuca Bar.

In 2021, following an inspection on May 4 of that year, another 1/5 was given before the most recent rating after an inspection on February 2 this year.

West Watford county councillor and Watford Labour group leader, Nigel Bell, said he was aware constituents had concerns about the restaurant.

He added: “I know there has been lots of issues over the years.

"It’s concerning for residents, it will seem very strange to people. The council needs to keep an eye on it.”

Brazuca Bar was contacted for comment on the rating.