“Coren suggested that the nature of the restaurant which was the subject of a really low food hygiene rating… meant that ‘normal health and safety things’ should not apply,” said Kane.
“We are appalled at the suggestion that it should be considered optional for certain kinds of restaurants to meet legal standards.
“Many restaurants offer a unique experience for diners while meeting the standards of food hygiene legislation.
“It’s insulting to those restaurateurs to imply you can’t do both. No food business should see itself as above the law.”
In Wales, it is mandatory for restaurants to display food hygiene ratings.
Kane said Ynyshir’s rating meant it was operating below minimum legal standards.
She denied food hygiene inspections were a “tick-box exercise” but critical to ensuring food was being handled and produced hygienically.
“Consumers have a right to expect that wherever they choose to eat, the same basic standards apply. That principle is non-negotiable.
“We welcome that the restaurant has recognised the concerns raised and is working co-operatively with the local environmental health team to remedy the issues raised.”
Chef Ward, who has featured as a guest judge on MasterChef: The Professionals, previously said he was not embarrassed by the score.
The restaurant said it was working “at the highest standard in the world” and doing “something different” with how it approaches raw ingredients and techniques.