Grim findings behind Doncaster restaurant's doors where 'every item needs a clean'

A “dirty” Doncaster tortilla restaurant where “just about every single item needs to be thoroughly cleaned” has been awarded the lowest food hygiene score possible.

Tortilla Hut in Hall Gate received a zero star food hygiene rating following an inspection on January 12 2024, with the food inspector concluding that the takeaway establishment requires “urgent improvement”.

The council inspector's report, released following a Freedom of Information request, revealed several matters that required “immediate” action. These issues included:

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• The toilet and surrounding areas were dirty.

• Several surfaces which come into contact with food were dirty including the freezer, freezer doors, microwave, food containers, fridges and rice cookers

• The food premises were not kept in a clean condition. This included the walls, floors, ceiling and work tops. The inspector added: “Just about every single item was found to be in need of being thoroughly cleaned.”

• The establishment had failed to supply separate cleaning equipment for clean and dirty areas.

• There was a limited hot water supply to the hand wash sink.

The inspector also noted that the clothing worn by employees working in the kitchen was “dirty” and no protective clothing was worn. The food establishment also failed to have the “appropriate cleaning chemicals” and there was no temperature control or food hygiene training in place.

The FOI response also stated that there were “inadequate facilities” for cleaning and disinfecting work tools and equipment and that the business should provide a sink which is big enough to accommodate larger pieces of equipment, which also has an adequate supply of hot and cold water.

In their report, the inspector included a number of recommendations for the business and stated that the food safety management issues required ‘immediate attention’ with any structural works needing completion within four to six weeks.

Tortilla Hut was approached for comment.

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