An Isle of Wight sandwich producer has been hit with a one-star food hygiene rating, but says it is undeserved.
Full Spread, based in Lake are suppliers of sandwiches across the Island, was awarded a ‘major improvement necessary’ rating by the Isle of Wight Council’s environmental health team following two inspections in March.
Fillings incorrectly given longer shelf-life
Inspectors raised concerns about the age of sandwich fillings — including chicken, beef, tuna, turkey and gammon ham — which were being given a longer shelf-life than they should have been.
For example, the tuna was supposed to be consumed within two days of opening the tin, but was going into a sandwich which was given a four-day shelf life.
The inspector said this practice may lead to the deterioration in the quality and safety of food.
British Sandwich Association guidelines
In their report, they highlighted guidance from the British Sandwich Association which recommend the use-by date for sandwiches should be no more than the day of production plus two days although an extension on the date can be given if it is supported by shelf-life testing.
Lab testing not taken into account
The inspector said the shelf-life procedure should be fully reviewed but at the time of the inspection, Full Spread had sent sandwiches away for lab testing.
The results of the lab testing, the sandwich makers say, were not taken into account in the report, as they were safe to eat.
Other issues
Other issues inspectors raised were cleaning products being used ‘inappropriately’ as staff were unaware of the product contact time necessary so it was ‘reliant upon guesswork’
Further food hygiene training was advised for managers and supervisors.
Rust claim
Inspectors noted a build-up of rust on the food preparation tables — which Full Spread said was just on the feet of the tables — on the walls in the prep room and at the bottom of the door to the walk-in chiller which had been identified at the last inspection.
Mould and cobwebs
They raised concerns about the cleanliness of areas, including black mould growth and cobwebs on the ceiling.
The oven front and microwave were dirty as well as some of the hand contact surfaces in the cooking area.
Full Spread said the inspectors came into a working kitchen, so the microwave was dirty as it was being used.
Disappointed with one-star rating
Full Spread said they cleaned between the two inspections and were disappointed with receiving a one-star rating.
The business said although it may not have warranted a five-star rating, it definitely did not deserve a one.
“Not as bad as the report said”
They maintain that the kitchen was not as bad as the report said.
The company said a re-inspection would cost money they were not prepared to spend, so they would wait for the next routine one.
They said some customers visited to look at the kitchen, and they were satisfied with what they saw.
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may have been made by OnTheWight. Ed
