Grim pictures show rodent droppings and greasy walls inside kebab van, which was found to have no running hot water, damaged and dirty floors, and a container filled to the brim when a council inspector visited.
A kebab van voluntarily closed after inspectors discovered “widespread mouse activity” posed an “imminent risk to public health”. Grim pictures show rodent droppings and greasy walls inside Newenden Quality Kebab, based on the A28 near Tenterden, Kent.
There was no running hot water, damaged and dirty floors, and a container filled to the brim with waste when an Ashford Borough Council inspector visited.
They gave the takeaway a one-star food hygiene rating and told bosses they must make multiple changes to improve cleanliness. The visit was conducted on May 28, but the score was only recently published on the Food Standards Agency website.
In their report, the inspector said: “At the time of the inspection, widespread mouse activity was noted in the food business, including a significant amount of droppings on the lower shelves, and inside cupboards as well as on the floor.
“We noted areas of potential ingress; however, we were unable to determine how many there were due to the cluttered space which made it hard to access the backs of cupboards and storage space. The layout, design, and construction of food premises must ensure adequate rodent pest control.”
Bosses were told all mouse droppings should be removed and surfaces which may have been touched by mice must be cleaned and disinfected.
The inspector also found the business was storing raw foods, such as burgers, above ready-to-eat items, such as flat and pitta breads. Mouse droppings were found in the same areas as food packaging and drinks – posing a risk of contamination.
The business was also told handwash basins with hot running water must be provided. “The hatch door and entry door to the unit were both dirty and in a poor state of repair,” the inspector added.
“The walls were greasy and damaged. The floors were damaged and dirty. Cupboard doors were greasy.
“The work surface by the griddle and service hatch was damaged. In rooms where food is prepared or handled, the design and layout must permit good food hygiene practices, including protection against contamination.
“Doors are to be easy to clean and, where necessary, to disinfect.”
The inspector told the business to put in place written safety procedures to show the food provided is safe. Food safety documents and records were unavailable at the time of the inspection.
There was also no documented system in place to identify allergens in the food served.
The report added: “At the time of the inspection, you agreed to voluntarily close due to the widespread mouse activity found in the food premises and the imminent risk to public health.”
Newenden Quality Kebab has been approached multiple times for comment.
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