This Eccleston takeaway has been fined for 'misleading menu' claiming five star hygiene rating

The owners of a Chinese takeaway in Eccleston have been fined after misleading customers about their food hygiene rating.

Feng Biao He, 53, and his son Kai Qiang He, 29, of Lotus Garden, appeared at Preston Magistrates’ Court on 20 May 2026, where they admitted offences linked to misleading menu leaflets.

The court heard that the family-run business distributed menus claiming a five-star food hygiene rating when, in fact, the premises, at the time, held a rating of one-star.

Lancashire County Council's Trading Standards officers launched an investigation following complaints from members of the public. Despite receiving advice and warnings, the misleading claims continued .In January 2025, officers found a large number of menu leaflets on the counter displaying the incorrect five-star rating. Further misleading menus were identified during a later visit, even after new leaflets had been printed.

Following an inspection by Chorley Council’s Environmental Health team at the end of January 2025, the business’s rating improved to a three-star. However, a subsequent Trading Standards visit in November 2025 found menus on display that were still incorrectly promoting a five-star rating.

Feng Biao was ordered to pay £3,740, including a fine of £1,250. Kai Qiang was ordered to pay £1,350, including a fine of £250.

Councillor Joshua Roberts, cabinet member for Rural Affairs, Environment and Communities at Lancashire County Council, said:“This prosecution sends a clear message that misleading customers about food hygiene ratings is unacceptable. We will continue to act to protect the public and support businesses that follow the rules.

“Businesses must not provide false or misleading information. In this case, claiming a five-star rating when the premises held just one star was not only a criminal offence, but a clear breach of trust with customers. While district environmental health teams award food hygiene ratings, it is our Trading Standards team that takes action against misleading claims.

“We are determined to stamp out these practices. Those who cut corners or attempt to deceive the public should be in no doubt that Lancashire Trading Standards will take action.”

• Anyone wishing to report a business can contact the Citizens Advice consumer service on 0808 223 1133.
• The Food Hygiene Rating Scheme helps people make informed choices about where to eat, with businesses rated from Five (very good) to Zero (urgent improvement required).