A pair of neighbouring takeaways are being investigated after they both received zero star food hygiene scores.
Both Pizza King and Curry Village, in Houghton-le-Spring, picked up the unwanted accolade following a surprise visit from Sunderland City Council inspectors.
They are currently the only two venues licenced by the council to have the score and both were strongly criticised by inspectors over the cleanliness of their respective venue, how food is handled and food safety.
The takeaways, which were visited on the same day, were warned that "urgent improvement" was needed.
ChronicleLive requested copies of both food hygiene reports under the Freedom of Information Act.
However, the council refused, stating: "We are unable to disclose the requested information as there are ongoing investigations and the release of such information may prejudice the case."
Staff at Pizza King claimed it "voluntarily shut down" in the wake of the May 29 inspection but claimed they were not at fault for the score.
They added the restaurant, which has since reopened, would be getting re-inspected in the near future.
It is understood the council investigation relates to both Front Street restaurants.
Multiple efforts were made to contact Curry Village.
