McDonald's is arguably the most popular fast-food chain in the world with thousands of  branches across the UK.

Southampton is no exception with eight establishments displaying the famous golden arches meaning you are never too far from a Big Mac or a Chicken Legend.

If you ever wondered though which is the best when it comes to cleanliness, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) make their hygiene ratings public, meaning it's easy to discover how restaurants scored. 

The inspections are carried out by the local authority and findings are updated on the FSA website whenever there is a new inspection. 

What the ratings mean:

There are six different ratings that a venue can be awarded from 0 to 5.

  • 5 - Hygiene standards are very good
  • 4 – Hygiene standards are good
  • 3 – Hygiene standards are generally satisfactory
  • 2 – Some improvement is necessary
  • 1 – Major improvement is necessary
  • 0 – Urgent improvement is required

How is McDonald's assessed?

Inspectors look at a few different key elements when assessing the hygiene of a restaurant including: 

How hygienically the food is handled- such as how its prepared, cooked, re-heated, cooled, and stored.

The condition of the structure of the buildings – the cleanliness, layout, lighting, ventilation, and other facilities.

How the business manages what it does to make sure food is safe so the officer can be confident standards will be maintained in the future.

Southampton McDonalds hygiene ratings

McDonald's - West Quay Shopping Centre
Hygiene rating: 5
Last inspected: June 17, 2019

McDonald's - Harbour Parade
Hygiene rating: 5
Last inspected: June 17, 2019

McDonald's - Shirley Road
Hygiene rating: 5
Last inspected: February 4, 2020

McDonald's - Commercial Road
Hygiene rating: 5
Last inspected: October 24, 2018

McDonald's - Redbridge Road
Hygiene rating: 5
Last inspected: January 30, 2020

McDonald's - High Road
Hygiene rating: 5
Last inspected: March 11, 2019

McDonald's - M27 Rownhams Services
Hygiene rating: 5
Last inspected: May 28, 2019

McDonald's - Hedge End Retail Park
Hygiene rating: 5
Last inspected: July 9, 2019