An Indian takeaway in Liverpool was awarded a zero hygiene rating after inspectors found dirty floors and walls.
Bombay Spices, based in Green Lane, Tuebrook, was inspected by Liverpool City Council's environmental health team on February 28. Once inside, inspectors found a wide range of issues which resulted in the Indian takeaway being given the lowest hygiene rating possible.
The ECHO used Freedom of Information laws to receive a full copy of the inspection report which led to the zero rating. The report reads: "There was no soap or clean, dry paper towels at the wash hand basin in the kitchen. On request I was offered a clean, dry bar of soap. There was a clean, unused bar of soap close to the basin in the first-floor toilet.
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"The wash hand basin in the kitchen was situated next to the shelving units where containers of open cooked food were stored. This shelving must be moved or a barrier constructed to prevent dirty water splashing from the hand washing activities onto the food. The floors and walls, including door frames and doors, throughout the premises were dirty. The entire food premises must be deep cleaned and then thoroughly cleaned on a regular basis."
The inspectors added: "The ceiling in the side food storage corridor was affected by dampness which had led to black mould growth. The source of the damp should be located and treated. Hand contact surfaces such as refrigerator, freezer and door handles, light switches, plugs, sockets and cables were dirty and must be thoroughly cleaned and sanitised on a regular basis."
The report also found that there was no food safety management system in place.
Food businesses in Liverpool are routinely inspected by local authority hygiene teams. A health officer will look at three criteria when inspecting a premises. These include how hygienically the food is prepared, cooked, re-heated, cooled and stored, the cleanliness, layout, lighting and ventilation of the building and how the business manages what it does to make sure food is safe.
Each establishment receives their rating following an inspection conducted by a food safety officer from the council. A rating of zero means urgent improvement is necessary, one means major improvement is required while two means improvement is needed. A rating of three means the premises is generally satisfactory, four is good and five is very good.
Bombay Spices is now awaiting a new inspection to see if its rating has improved.
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