Newenden Quality Kebab, a takeaway van based on the A28 near Tenterden, Kent, voluntarily closed after an Ashford Borough Council inspector discovered “widespread mouse activity” that posed an “imminent risk to public health.” Grim pictures from the inspection reveal rodent droppings, greasy walls, damaged and dirty floors, and a waste container filled to the brim.
Inspector Finds No Hot Water and Contamination Risks
The inspection, conducted on May 28, found no running hot water, damaged and dirty floors, and a container overflowing with waste. The inspector noted “widespread mouse activity,” including a significant amount of droppings on lower shelves, inside cupboards, and on the floor. Areas of potential rodent ingress were difficult to assess due to cluttered spaces that hindered access to the backs of cupboards and storage areas.
Raw foods such as burgers were stored above ready-to-eat items like flat and pitta breads, with mouse droppings found in the same areas as food packaging and drinks, posing a contamination risk. The business was ordered to remove all droppings and clean and disinfect all affected surfaces.
Structural and Hygiene Deficiencies
The inspector reported that the hatch door and entry door were dirty and in poor repair. Walls were greasy and damaged, floors were damaged and dirty, and cupboard doors were greasy. The work surface by the griddle and service hatch was also damaged. The report emphasized that the design and layout must permit good hygiene practices and protection against contamination, with doors easy to clean and disinfect.
The business was required to provide handwash basins with hot running water. Additionally, written safety procedures were needed to demonstrate that the food provided is safe, as food safety documents and records were unavailable at the time of the inspection. There was also no documented system to identify allergens in the food served.
Voluntary Closure and One-Star Rating
The inspector gave the takeaway a one-star food hygiene rating, which was recently published on the Food Standards Agency website. The report stated: “At the time of the inspection, you agreed to voluntarily close due to the widespread mouse activity found in the food premises and the imminent risk to public health.” Newenden Quality Kebab has been contacted multiple times for comment but has not responded.
