A TAKEAWAY which was described as being “attractive to rats and mice” has turned its fortunes around after an inspector upgraded its food safety rating – but not before demanding a deep clean of the premises.

Alresford Fish Bar Kebabs and Burgers received a damning report in December when major hygiene failings were exposed by the Food Standards Agency (FSA).

The business, which has an average rating of 4.8 out of five by 800 reviewers, was given a one-star food hygiene rating.

A recent inspection in March resulted in the food hygiene rating being upgraded to four stars, but details of the inspector’s December report have been revealed to the Gazette following a Freedom of Information request.

Gazette: Takeaway – Alresford Fish Bar sells fish, kebabs, and burgers according to its websiteTakeaway – Alresford Fish Bar sells fish, kebabs, and burgers according to its website (Image: Pixabay)

The FSA said there were no soap or hygienic hand drying facilities for staff at the takeaway, with no disinfectant or sanitiser available on the premises either.

Other findings were similarly concerning, with an inspector criticising staff for leaving out a drum full of hardened animal fat which risked attracting vermin.

A section of the report read: “There was also an excessive accumulation of cardboard, plastic bags and other miscellaneous items immediately outside the back door, and a blue plastic drum containing hardened animal fat which has solid fat dripping down the outside and would be attractive to rats and mice.

“In view of the above, I am of the opinion that adequate provision has not been made for the disposal or collection of food waste and other refuse.”

Gazette: Lacking – an inspector wrote in an official report how they could not find any sanitiser on the premisesLacking – an inspector wrote in an official report how they could not find any sanitiser on the premises (Image: Pexels)

The report also detailed how areas that had received attention had not been cleaned to a satisfactory standard.

It continued: “The standard of cleaning to the structure of the kitchen including behind and below work surfaces, fridges, freezers and other equipment, was generally poor and the floor was very greasy and slippery.

“A thorough deep clean is required.”

An inspector concluded the level of food hygiene awareness amongst staff at the takeaway was “inadequate”.

Though Alresford Fish Bar Kebabs and Burgers had its hygiene rating upgraded to four stars in March, a member of the management team was not available for comment when contacted by the Gazette.