KwikChex on BBC News once again!

Definitive research by KwikChex results in BBC News coverage of Just Eat serious food hygiene issues

Work led by KwikChex head of research projects, Aria Maffei resulted in a BBC News investigation being aired on television and radio last night (Wednesday 17 October).

The project commenced by comparing the reviews ratings displayed prominently on the Just Eat site for its partner takeaway businesses with official Food Hygiene Ratings.  It quickly became apparent that in many cases, the often glowing ‘feedback’ star ratings were no assurance of acceptable food hygiene, with several investigated Just Eat partner businesses potentially putting consumers at risk of food-borne illnesses.

In the Birmingham region, the research revealed that two thirds of the businesses with a zero food hygiene rating – which means that Environmental Health Inspectors have deemed them as being “in need of urgent improvement” were on Just Eat. In other areas investigated, half of those with zero ratings were also on Just Eat. The findings led us once again to closely collaborate with a BBC investigative team, with a shocking report made public yesterday.

KwikChex Co-founder, Chris Emmins featured on the programme

Asked by the BBC to participate in the news report, KwikChex director and co-founder Chris Emmins pushed hard for greater diligence, higher standards and more accurate online information – including asking Just Eat to check their partner hygiene ratings and publish the information prominently next to every business listing.

You can view the news report on the BBC website – https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-45888709

Consumer protection and good, accurate online information go hand in hand.

The BBC, along with many other media organisations, law enforcement authorities and government departments have all used the KwikChex investigative and verification resources many times – recognising the diligence, accuracy and expertise of our business.  Consumers can easily be misled by what they see initially online, with positive reviews, online adverts and even details of registered companies all seeming to provide reassurance – when in fact these prominent resources may have been intentionally used to deceive.  On the other hand, businesses that actually provide their customers with high standards the great majority of the time, can be damaged by false and malicious online allegations – often posted by competitors.