A popular Asian takeaway in the heart of an Isle of Wight town has been slammed with a one-star food hygiene rating, as a large number of flies were present when inspectors called.
It meant major improvement was necessary at The Noodle Pot, on St James’ Street, following an inspection from the Isle of Wight council’s environmental health team in July
Improvements made and awaiting re-inspection
A spokesperson for The Noodle Pot said since the inspection, improvements have been made and everything is clean now, and they were awaiting a re-inspection.
The inspectors said the takeaway failed to control pests, and at their first visit, they saw a large number of flying insects around food and equipment, both in the downstairs cooking area and in the upstairs kitchen.
Two electric fly killers were heavily loaded with dead insects and there was a hanging fly strip on the wall which was fully covered.
Issue resolved on third visit
When inspectors returned the next day, the electric killers had been emptied and one moved, as well as the fly strip thrown away, which appeared to have resolved the issue.
However the other electric killer had not been put downstairs, nor the window nets at the front of the building replaced, and while there were fewer flies, some were still present.
On a third visit, the issue had been resolved.
Open bin attracting flies
An open, overflowing bin bag was outside the upstairs kitchen, among an accumulation of waste, which was attracting flies.
Inspectors advised redundant equipment in the building be removed as there were areas which were extremely cluttered. On a second visit, the premises looked much clearer but large items like an unused drinks fridge remained.
Incorrect use of disinfectant
Staff were using an unsuitable disinfectant in the downstairs kitchen, as it did not meet officially recognised standards for effectiveness against a range of food poisoning bacteria. The issue was also noted at a previous inspection.
Inspectors felt one member of staff lacked an appropriate level of food hygiene and safety knowledge after getting a question about rice cooling time wrong.
Inadequate cleaning
At the time of the inspection, the general standard of cleaning required improvement, including fridge and freezer handles upstairs; food containers and the top of an unused drinks fridge which was heavily covered in dirt and dead insects.
The business had failed to identify relevant hazards and procedure checks needed to make certain its food was safe.
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
