Fusco’s of Whitby, the family firm behind four of Yorkshire’s top fish and chip businesses, has secured its second five-star national ‘Fish and Chip Quality Award’ – the industry’s Michelin-star equivalent – making it one of the UK’s best for hygiene and quality food.

The company, run by two generations of the Fusco family, has maintained its place among the UK’s top fish and chip shops by once again scooping the National Federation of Fish Friers’ (NFFF) award for its flagship Quaysidetakeaway and restaurant in Pier Road – named Best Independent Fish and Chip Shop 2014 – Royal Fisheries in Baxtergate, Fish Box in Langbourne Road, and its new The Whitby Fish and Chip Company catering trailer.

Scooping its first quality award in 2013, and valid for two years,Fusco’s of Whitby’s NFFF Quality Award is a benchmark for the fish and chip industry to follow. To qualify, each shop goes through an inspection by an NFFF Approved Assessor, which covers the shop’s presentation, hygiene and cleanliness, staff training, equipment, frying and sales skills and most importantly the quality of the cooked product.

"We are completely delighted to have yet again gained this prestigious award that recognises our commitment to quality,” said Carol Fusco, who runs the business with sons Stuart, Raymond and Adrian and daughter Maria."We ensure our Fusco ‘gold standard’ approach is maintained throughout all our processes from kitchen to counter so that our customers get the best tasting British fish and chips at every serve.”

The NFFF has been established since 1913 and works to promote and protect the interests of some 8,500 fish and chip proprietors throughout the UK, as well as offering training to those wishing to enter the trade. The Fish and Chip Quality Awards is an initiative designed to drive the longevity and growth of the fish and chip industry, following a previous scheme by the Seafish Industry Authority.