Meat carcasses were kept in a dirty freezer and a patisserie area was ‘not disinfected’, a report has revealed.

Rayan Food Store in Southampton has been handed a one-out-of-five food hygiene rating by inspectors.

In a damning report seen by the Daily Echo, inspectors found that many areas of the St Mary Street store were unclean.

The report revealed that the floor below the meat carcasses in the walk-in chiller was not clean.

Staff were told to ‘thoroughly clean and maintain the chiller in a clean condition’.

Inspectors also found that the work surfaces in the butchery and patisseries were not being disinfected.

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‘All surfaces/equipment which come into contact with food must be cleaned and disinfected,’ staff were told.

They were also instructed to ensure food handlers are provided with supervision, instruction, and/or training ‘in matters commensurate with their work activity’.

Inspectors recommended staff at Rayan Food Store to make sure the reheating process for the hot food held for sale is adequate.

Staff were advised to periodically check the centre temperature of the food using a clean probe thermometer.

They were told food in the hot holding cabinet, which is being cooked or reheated and is intended to be sold hot, must be held at or above 63C. 

‘The core temperature of the food should reach at least 75C for two minutes’, inspectors said.

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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 cleanliness, layout, lighting, ventilation, and equipment – were also identified as areas requiring major improvement.

The recording and management of food to ensure it is safe was found to require major improvement.

The Daily Echo has contacted Rayan Food Store for a response.