A FISH and chip shop in Prestatyn has been awarded a food hygiene rating of one, with “major improvement” necessary at the site.

Ffrith & Chips, at 4 Ceg y Ffordd, received a one-out-of-five score after an inspection on March 6.

A Freedom of Information request made to Denbighshire County Council revealed that the business had failed to adhere to food hygiene regulations in 12 instances.

Particular attention was drawn to its food storage, kitchen cleanliness and food safety management procedures.

The report said the business exhibited “some major non-compliance with statutory obligations” regarding structural and cleaning issues, and that there was a “poor appreciation of hazards and control measures”.

It also noted some “reluctance in recognising or accepting the need for food safety and hygiene control procedures”.

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Food storage was a particular problem, with the report highlighting several ready to eat food products being stored near raw meat, raw fish and raw eggs.

Some foods were not being stored at the correct temperatures, risking the growth of pathogenic (disease-causing) microorganisms and/or toxin (poison).
 

A food handler was in breach of personal hygiene standards, having not worn an apron.

Paints and step ladders were being stored in food handling areas, and some criticism was levelled at the use of scented antibacterial spray, which the report said could “taint foods”.

Dirt, rust and signs of wear were spotted in food handling areas, including food preparation areas, with the state of some walls and worktops described as “not sound”.

Ffrith & Chips was approached for comment.