Health inspectors have hit out at a local takeaway after they found that food had been stored on the floor of the premises and rats were spotted in the backyard.

Quality Pizza on Front Street in Stanley was inspected on July 5, 2022, in relation to the Food Standards Agency.

After the visit, the takeaway failed the inspection on a range of safety measures, receiving a one-star for food hygiene.

Inspectors found that the storage of raw meat was not correct and in one case a container of raw lamb and a container of raw mushrooms were stored on top of garlic mayonnaise in an upright fridge.

Meanwhile, raw burgers were stored in a container next to a container of lettuce and a container of cheese.

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Raw chicken was also found stored next to cucumber and tubs of salad in an under-counter fridge.

The handling of raw food was incorrect with inspectors finding that raw meat and cooked meat were handled with the same tongs.

Containers of food were stored directly on the floor of the takeaway and food handlers were found to not be wearing protective clothing.

Inspectors found that there were gaps in the rear door potentially allowing pests to enter from there.

The rear yard was also very messy and inspectors said they spotted “several rats” as well as pigeon drippings.

Multiple areas of the takeaway and items were found to be dirty, including floor tiles and skirting boards including the surface of the bottom of the pizza oven.

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Inspectors stressed that food handlers were found to not have a good awareness of food hygiene, including the understanding of cross-contamination between raw and ready-to-eat foods.

The Northern Echo has approached Quality Pizza for comment.

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