Southampton takeaway vows to improve after low food hygiene rating

The Loaded Spud on St Mary Street has received its first food hygiene rating since it opened on January 7.

Inspectors who visited the takeaway in August issued a rating of one meaning major improvement is necessary.

But owner David Miles says he has already made some changes and is confident the business will be awarded a higher rating at the next inspection.

READ MORE: Sals Kebab House given one out of five hygiene rating

The report's findings

The report by the Food Standards Agency mentions the presence of cartons of sour cream and cottage cheese past their use-by date being kept on the premises.

During their visit, inspectors also found bottled sauces requiring refrigeration being stored at room temperature which the report says supports the growth of food poisoning bacteria.

No wash basin was available for food handlers working in the kitchen.

Mr Miles was told to install one to give workers access to hot and cold running water and soap to wash their hands.

'First time in business'

When contacted by the Daily Echo, Mr Miles said: “With respect to the out-of-date items they were just out of date and unopened and would not be used.

“The inspection was done on a Tuesday and I was shut on the Monday and would normally check fridges and freezers first thing in the morning but due to being on my own that day I was extremely busy.”

He said the fridges are checked daily and any products unfit for sale are removed and disposed of.

He also said that a wash basin was fitted the very next day.

He added: “This is a new business and my first time in this business and every effort has been made to meet the standards required and I will continue to do so.

“I will be booking a revisit next week and I'm very confident that I will pass with a high rating.”

The Loaded Spud serves jacket potatoes, zapiekanka (a grilled pizza-style baguette with cheddar), sandwiches and wraps.

It has a rating of 4.9 stars on Just Eat.