Hygiene Concerns Raised Over Dust Near Food Counters at Cafe Zinho in Middleton Shopping Centre

Middleton, Greater Manchester — Customers have raised hygiene concerns about Cafe Zinho, located inside Middleton Shopping Centre, after noticing visible dust accumulation around areas close to the café’s food preparation and service counters.

Cafe Zinho Middleton Shopping Center | Image: Hopwood Radio

Several visitors to the café say they observed layers of dust on surfaces near where food is displayed and served, prompting questions about the café’s cleaning standards and general hygiene practices. The café, which attracts shoppers looking for quick meals, drinks, and snacks while visiting the shopping centre.

Dust and Dirt on surface | Image: Hopwood Radio

According to customers who spoke about their experience, the dust appeared on edges of the service counter, and nearby surfaces positioned close to food items. While some customers said the issue may have built up over time, others said the presence of dust so close to food raised immediate concerns about sanitation.

One shopper who recently visited the café described their experience:

“While waiting to order, I noticed dust on the surfaces around the counter where food was being served. In places where food is prepared or displayed, you expect things to be spotless. Seeing dust in that area makes you question how regularly the space is cleaned.”

Another visitor to the shopping centre said the issue stood out because the café serves uncovered or partially exposed food items.

“If food is sitting near surfaces that haven’t been cleaned properly, it can be worrying. People assume food businesses follow strict hygiene standards.”

In the UK, food businesses are legally required to follow strict food hygiene and safety regulations under the Food Safety Act 1990 and associated hygiene regulations. These rules require businesses to keep premises clean and maintained to ensure food is protected from contamination.

Further dirt on surface | Image: Hopwood Radio

Environmental health teams from local councils are responsible for inspecting food premises and assigning hygiene ratings under the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme. Inspections typically examine cleanliness, food handling procedures, and how well businesses manage risks related to contamination.

Dust accumulation in areas close to food handling zones can raise concerns because airborne particles may settle on food preparation surfaces or food itself if proper cleaning routines are not maintained.

Middleton Shopping Centre is a major retail hub in the area, attracting shoppers from across Middleton and surrounding parts of Greater Manchester. With multiple cafés, restaurants, and food outlets operating within the complex, customers say maintaining high hygiene standards is especially important.

One local resident said that while small hygiene issues can occur in busy food establishments, customers expect businesses to address them quickly.

“Places that serve food to the public should make sure their counters and preparation areas are properly cleaned. Most customers simply want reassurance that hygiene is taken seriously.”

At the time of publication, Cafe Zinho has not issued a public response to the concerns raised by customers. It is also unclear whether any formal complaints have been submitted to Rochdale Borough Council’s environmental health department.

If a complaint is filed, environmental health officers may conduct an inspection to determine whether the premises meet required hygiene standards. Businesses that fall below required standards can be issued improvement notices and required to make changes.

Customers who raised concerns say they hope the issue will be addressed promptly to ensure that the café maintains safe and hygienic conditions for those purchasing food and drinks.

Local authorities encourage members of the public who have concerns about food hygiene in restaurants or cafés to report them through the council’s environmental health service so that the matter can be investigated.