Orchard Care Homes is celebrating after achieving a Food Standard Agency, 5-star food hygiene rating for its three services in Leeds.

Middleton Park Lodge Nursing Home, Nesfield Lodge Dementia Care Home and Paisley Lodge Care Home received the FSA’s highest accolade, which is based on three criteria  – how hygienically the food is handled, the physical condition of the business and how the business manages ways of keeping food safe.

Jason Hunter, catering lead at Orchard, said: “We make sure the food we serve to residents is always of the highest standard. Food and hygiene form an integral part of the high quality care we provide and we work alongside our people to develop healthy menus to suit their needs.”

Specific areas analysed included cleanliness, layout, lighting, ventilation and pest control; as well as looking at processes, training and systems to ensure good hygiene is maintained.

Evidence shows that a diet rich in fruit, vegetables and cereals, and low in red meat and sugar could help reduce dementia risks.