Residents and staff of Asra House in Leicester are smiling from ear to ear after the care home scored top marks for food hygiene.

The home, run by Asra Midlands, a subsidiary of Sanctuary Group, was awarded the highest smiley face in Leicester City Council’s SmileSafe scheme following a spot check inspection by an environmental health officer.

Following the visit the home, in Asha Margh, was awarded the top smiley face for each of its three categories, which were Food Hygiene Practices; Structure (including cleanliness) and Confidence in Management (including food safety procedures and food hygiene training).

The report said: “Standards at this premises were found to be excellent. Food was being handled in a safe and hygienic manner and protected from contamination.”

It added: “The standard of cleaning was found to be excellent.”

Husaina Hirani, care home manager, said the staff and residents were thrilled with the rating.

“It’s thanks to the hard work of our dedicated staff that we are able to provide the highest standard of services to our residents,” she said.

The inspections are part of a ‘Scores on Doors’ pilot scheme being run in conjunction with the Food Standards Agency.

Establishments which handle prepare and cook food for the public, including takeaways and restaurants, are awarded one of four SmileSafe ratings.