A Darwen supermarket has responded after an image appeared to show mould under a fridge shelf in the store.

The images were sent to the Lancashire Telegraph and after concerns mould was being ‘left to fester’ under refrigeration shelves at the Sainsbury's supermarket in Hardman Way, Darwen.

A video was also shared of a loading bay area at the store, with what appeared to be yellow powder located on the floor, which it was claimed was there due to a "vermin problem".

Sainsbury’s said the video was old and the yellow powder was ‘not rat poison’.

A source close to the store said: “There is mould on the underside of the fridge shelving which is not a good look for a store and company of this size.

“This is not something new and something needs to be done. Also, the loading bay area has had issues with vermin and this needs to be addressed too.”

The source added: “As soon the images were shared staff were told to drop everything and make sure everything was cleaned.

“It should not take this for action to be taken.”

A Sainsbury's spokesperson said the store ‘does not have vermin or mould issues’.

They added: “All our stores have strict pest control and hygiene processes. The images shared do not reflect our Darwen store.”

Sainsbury’s also said the video of the warehouse loading area was ‘not recent’.

After the image of the mould was sent to Sainsbury’s, it is believed staff were asked to deep clean up the fridges almost immediately.

The source added: “As soon the images were shared staff were told to drop everything and make sure everything was cleaned.

“It should not take this for action to be taken.”