A popular Middlesbrough restaurant has been handed a zero-star food hygiene rating following an inspection by environmental health officers.
Oodles, a long-established fixture on Linthorpe Road, received the Food Standards Agency’s lowest possible rating after an inspection on 21 March 2026.
A zero-star rating is the worst possible score on the Food Standards Agency’s five-point hygiene scale and indicates that urgent improvements are necessary.
Inspectors said major improvements were required in the hygienic handling of food, including food preparation, cooking, reheating, cooling and storage.
The restaurant was also told major improvements were needed to the cleanliness and condition of the premises, covering areas such as ventilation, handwashing facilities and pest control.
A third area requiring major improvement related to the management of food safety, with inspectors concluding that better systems and checks were needed to ensure food served to customers is safe to eat.
When reporters visited the premises on two separate occasions, the restaurant was closed and locked. Two outdated five-star food hygiene stickers remained displayed in the windows.
Despite the latest rating, Oodles continues to be promoted on the Tees Valley Combined Authority’s business directory, which describes the restaurant as having “firmly established a loyal base of noodle lovers who travel from miles around for their freshly prepared dishes.”
The listing adds: “Dishes change seasonally but favourites include Thai spicy chicken, Massaman curry with potatoes, yellow chicken curry and beef phad kah pow. Gluten-free and vegetarian dishes are also served. A fantastic choice for a tasty, fresh and fuss-free lunch in Middlesbrough town centre.”
Oodles has been approached for comment.
A Middlesbrough Council spokesperson said the authority was unable to release the full inspection report because a reinspection has not yet taken place.
