Last month we published the latest round of food hygiene inspections, and revealed six establishments in Blackburn with Darwen were found to have zero star ratings by the Food Standards Agency.
After submitting a Freedom of Information request to the council, we have managed to obtain the inspection reports for all six venues and can now reveal exactly why those establishments were given such low ratings.
This week we will deal with two of those businesses.
The first being Sweet Palace on New Bank Road in Blackburn, and the second Cha Chai on Whalley Range, also in Blackburn.
Sweet Palace
Sweet Palace is an Asian takeaway that also sells desserts and was inspected on July 20.
It received a score of 55 out of 80, with 80 being the lowest and worst score, after mouse droppings were found and the kitchen noted as dirty.
The ratings related to how hygienically the food was handled, for which Sweet Palace was given a score of 20 out of 25 (0 being very good and 25 being very bad); the condition of the premise including cleanliness, for which it was given a score of 15 out of 25; and how the establishment managed and recorded what staff did to make sure food was safe, for which they received a score of 20 out of 30.
Inspectors noted that there was no food management system in place and the kitchen was dirty, with old mouse droppings found on the floor.
They also found no allergen training had been carried out and several fixtures were broken.
Every venue in East Lancashire with a zero and one star food hygiene rating
The report said: "You agreed the premises (kitchen) is dirty - a deep clean of the kitchen is required - today."
As a result, inspectors ordered management to fix the drain in the kitchen; provide staff with clean aprons; sort records of the diverse range of food out (the shop sells everything from curries to kebabs and desserts); clean the dirty storage containers used to keep ingredients in; and recommended a block treatment for mice as soon as possible.
A revisit was requested with inspectors stating they would impose enforcement action if changes had not been made.
Cha Chai
Cha Chai is a cafe and takeaway and was inspected on July 15 and received a total score of 70 out of 80, with 80 being the lowest and worst score.
The scores related to how hygienically the food was handled, for which Cha Chai was given a score of 25 out of 25 (0 being very good and 25 being very bad); the condition of the premise including cleanliness, for which it was given a score of 25 out of 25; and how the establishment managed and recorded what staff did to make sure food was safe, for which they received a score of 20 out of 30.
Inspectors noted that the freezers and fridges needed deep cleans and advised the ice cream freezer in particular should be cleaned and defrosted immediately, and staff had no knowledge of food safety.
The report read: "The entire premises especially the kitchen, rear yard and behind the kitchen areas are in poor hygiene conditions. You must deep clean the entire premises and leave it clean always, as soon as possible.
"The rear yard is full of rubbish, and you must clear all rubbish as soon as possible.
"Food preparation area behind the counter is dirty with food debris, grease etc - clean the area and leave it clean always."
On July 27, a note was added to the inspection report after a revisit, which read: "They have cleared the yard area but there are still some plastic containers, old small fridge and wood - advised need to clear as pest harbourage.
"Rat droppings in the yard need - need to clean and disinfect - there are some holes in the concrete - possible rat holes.
"Some cleaning has been undertaken but more effort and attention to detail required."
The premise was revisited again on August 18 and again inspectors noted more attention to cleaning was required; and there were still rat droppings in the rear yard.
A revisit will be carried out in due course.
A spokesperson for Blackburn with Darwen Council said: "The zero rating reflects our findings at the time of our unannounced visit.
"We ensure that businesses are brought to compliance immediately, and encourage them to apply for a revisit to reflect the improvements they have made as a result of our work.
"It is up to them to decide whether they apply for a revisit."
Both establishments were contacted for comment.
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