Ice cream shop gets five-star hygiene rating after Halloween fame

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 31 Oct, 12:30 · Archive

Bethanie's @ Shakes in Stockton received a five-star food hygiene rating from a food safety officer.

Bethanie's @ Shakes on Stockton High Street, which became known for selling black ice cream at Halloween, has received a five-star food hygiene rating from Stockton Council's food safety officer.

The officer rated the shop very good across all areas. Food handling including preparation, cooking, reheating, cooling and storage were praised, as was cleanliness. The condition of facilities and building also scored highly, with the officer noting the layout, ventilation, hand-washing facilities and pest control were all suitable for maintaining good food hygiene.

The officer also found that systems were in place to ensure food safety, with 'evidence that staff know about food safety, and the food safety officer has confidence that standards will be maintained in future'. Owner Bethanie Lofthouse said: 'We are absolutely thrilled to have received another five-star food hygiene rating. Our team works incredibly hard to maintain the highest standards.' She thanked staff and customers for their support.

The shop began selling the black ice cream in 2022, billed as a 'healthier' Halloween treat. Lofthouse said the Black Soft Serve would be available on Saturday only.

How it is being reported

• Shop famous for spooky Halloween black ice cream celebrates five-star hygiene ratingAn ice cream shop which made headlines for selling black ice creams at Halloween is celebrating a five-star food hygiene rating.The Northern Echo · 31 Oct, 12:00
• Shop known for Halloween 'black ice creams' celebrates five-star food hygiene ratingBethanie's @ Shakes on Stockton High Street was given the top score by a food safety officerTeessideLive · 30 Oct, 16:26

In this story: Bethanie's @ Shakes · Stockton High Street · Stockton · Bethanie Lofthouse · Stockton Council

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