'Rodent droppings, filthy floors and greasy walls': Report unveils Little Sicily hygiene failings

Rodent droppings, 'filthy' floors and 'greasy' walls were among the issues highlighted at a 'stylish and elegant’ Italian restaurant.

Little Sicily was told that ‘major improvement is necessary’ following a visit from food safety officers on July 4. The restaurant, located on High Street in Sedgefield, near Stockton, prides itself on being a ‘high class establishment serving classic home cooked Italian dishes and more’.

According to a new hygiene report, inspectors found rodent droppings, 'filthy' floors and 'greasy' walls among a list of issues. Inspectors also said foods, including open containers of chips, were stored directly on the floor and a dirty fabric cloth was placed on top of the work surface in the washing up/preparation area.

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The report reads: "Rodent droppings were found to the area between the fridge and glass wash behind the bar. Appropriate treatment methods must be used to eliminate these pests.

"The floor covering beneath the cooking equipment was filthy. Thoroughly clean the floor and maintain in a clean condition. The wall covering was dirty/greasy throughout. Thoroughly clean the wall covering and maintain in a clean condition."

Other issues included no soap or paper towels at the wash hand basin, areas of bare brickwork exposed, dirty/greasy extractor canopy/filters and a dirty cooker and food trays. At the time of the rating, a spokesperson for the business told Teesside Live: "The 1* rating was given due to some of our building needing work and some paperwork not being up to date.

"Anyone who would like to view the report is welcome to pop in to the restaurant as the 1* rating does not reflect the cleanliness of our business, all food is stored correctly and all surfaces were clean and we as a business follow all correct food handling and storage procedures.

"But since this rating everything stated in the report has been done with immediate affect. But unfortunately for us it can take up to three months for Durham Council to come back out and re rate us.

"We are heartbroken by the rating but will come back stronger once it is rectified. Our loyal customers who continue to support us through this difficult time know this 1* does not reflect our business correctly.

"We have excelled since opening and went from strength to strength and the business has since expanded and the 1* has been very damaging to our business. But we will come back stronger as it really does not reflect us correctly."

Little Sicily manager Emma Russell has spoke to Teesside Live following the publication of the hygiene report, stating that she has seen a downturn in customers despite there being "literally nothing wrong with the restaurant now". Said she has applied for a revisit by hygiene inspectors.

"It's just a waiting game it can take three months but we are fully expecting at least four stars, most likely five," Emma explained. You can read the full story on Emma's response here.

'Further cleaning required'

Inspectors revisited the premises on July 18 and noted although improvements have been made "further cleaning" is still required. It was noted that loose poison on trays have been placed on the floor in the food storeroom. However, inspectors said the use of loose poison may pose a risk to safety and should not be used.

They also said it is evident from the conditions found in the premises that staff have not been given sufficient food hygiene training and supervision. The report states: "You must make sure that you and your food handlers are properly supervised, instructed and trained in food hygiene matters appropriate to the work they carry out.

"Food handlers should be instructed and have an appreciation of the need for good hygiene standards and be trained in the use of any food safety control or monitoring practices that you have put in place as part of your food safety management system." Teesside Live has contacted the business for further comment.

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