Rat poo and mould were found in a food store, a damning report has revealed.

Warren Local in Southampton has been handed a zero-out-of-five food hygiene rating by inspectors – the lowest possible rating.

In a report seen by the Daily Echo, inspectors found that inside the Warren Avenue store stock had been contaminated by rodents.

Gnawed boxes and rodent faeces and urine were found on shelving behind many boxes.

Inspectors also found that the spout to the slushie drink dispensers had visible mould to the spout.

This ‘must be cleaned on a regular basis,’ staff were told.

During the inspection, it was noted that vegetable samosas were being stored for sale at room temperature on the counter by the till.

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The inspector noted this was ‘high-risk and will support the growth of food poisoning bacteria’.

Inadequate facilities for cleaning and disinfecting work tools and equipment were also found.

At the time of inspection, upon opening the outside walk-in-freezer, there was a ‘strong odour of fish’.

The report detailed how the odour was of an ‘off-fish smell’.

And the floor to the freezer unit was visibly dirty with spilt liquid frozen to the floor.

Warren Local previously traded with an ongoing pest infestation and was urged to take action in the past.

But the measures in place have ‘not reduced the rodent activity outside’.

There was an extensive build-up of cardboard boxes, food waste, and evidence of numerous flies swarming above the area in the rear yard of the store.

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The extent of the rodent activity was evident due to the amount of visible rat faeces.

The hygienic handling of food, including preparation, cooking, re-heating, cooling, and storage, was found to be in need of major improvement.

The cleanliness and condition of the facilities and building - which includes appropriate layout, ventilation, hand washing facilities, and pest control - were identified as areas requiring urgent improvement.

Inspectors found that staff’s knowledge about food safety needed urgent improvement.

The Daily Echo contacted Warren Local for a response.