Angry publicans have hit out at the Food Standards Agency for failing to update information about hygiene inspections.
The Food Standards Agency website lists the results of inspections of every eatery in the country, from shops selling pies to high-end restaurants and everything in between.
Of the 1,305 eateries in Dundee, it lists 255 premises where there is “improvement required”.
However, the owners of some establishments claim this assessment is misleading as they have not been visited since their original inspections nearly 18 months ago or do not even serve fresh food at all.
David Glass, who runs Doc Ferry’s Bar in Broughty Ferry, said: “I had a visit about 15 months ago from environmental health and they gave me a list of improvements to make, which I did.
“But nobody has been back since. I’ve spoken to another publican and they said the same thing.”
Mr Glass, who is president of Dundee’s Licensed Trade Association, added: “I think it’s absolutely unfair.
“People are quick to notice these things but for many businesses the damage has been done.”
John Justice, manager of Pillars Bar and Lounge in Dundee City Centre, was also surprised at the negative rating from the Food Standards Agency.
He said: “To my knowledge the Pillars has not served meals for at least seven years.
“I can assure readers, however, that our crisps, nuts, pork scratchings and other bar snacks are quite fit for human consumption.”
The Food Standards Agency has said its inspections give consumers “an idea” of hygiene practices.
Businesses are assessed on a range of criteria, from hygiene practices, food safety and even paperwork and staff training.
Grant Avery of Avery and Co on South Tay Street said the Food Standards Agency takes too long to update their website when improvements have been made.
He claimed he has been told it will be March before he receives a pass certificate, despite passing a re-inspection in October.
Dundee City Council said it is up to businesses to notify the local authority when the necessary improvements had been made.
A spokesman said: “The process to achieve a ‘pass’ rating under the food hygiene is clearly explained in the letter that is sent by the council to food businesses.”
Dundee City Council environment convener Craig Melville said: “Dundee City Council’s involvement in the food hygiene scheme has been positive for food businesses and consumers alike.”