PEOPLE are being put at risk by an "unacceptably high" number of restaurants, takeaways and food companies in Bolton failing hygiene tests.

Nearly half of restaurants and catering outlets in Bolton have failed tests, it has been revealed.

Officers from the Foods Standards Agency (FSA) visited 981 takeaways, catering companies and restaurants in Bolton to carry out hygiene examinations and 489 premises failed the tests.

Bolton's results proved to be far worse than the national average.

Across the country, about one-third of premises failed the tests, with 118,000 businesses out of 370,000 visited by FSA officers proving to have infringements. Rigorous tests carried out by FSA officers include checking for cracks in windows -- which can lead to bacteria contaminating food -- overflowing dustbins, floor cleanliness, staff hygiene, food heat, whether meat is stored in the right place -- even whether dishes are correctly stacked, as it is important for fresh food not to be prepared near leftovers.

Salmonella affected more than 60 people, with a further 20 suspected cases, after an outbreak in Farnworth over Christmas and the New Year.

Chairman of the FSA Sir John Krebs said: "The survey reveals that the levels of reported food poisoning across the North-west remain unacceptably high.

"Most cases are preventable through simple practices like washing hands at regular intervals when preparing food."