Imagine biting into a meat pie, only to discover it's harboring more than just savory filling... A popular pub in Northallerton, North Yorkshire, known as The Standard, recently received a one-star hygiene rating, and the reasons are, shall we say, unappetizing. Inspectors from North Yorkshire Council visited the establishment in November of last year and uncovered a series of issues that led to the poor rating.
The report revealed that 'major improvements were necessary' in both food safety management and hygienic food handling. But here's where it gets controversial: the inspection found several critical problems within the pub's kitchen.
What exactly went wrong?
Firstly, the inspectors found that the pub's kitchen was not up to par. Specifically, they noted:
- Mouldy meat pies lurking in the fridge.
- Food items like cream and black pudding that had passed their use-by dates, indicating a lack of control over the food being sold.
- Raw meat stored alongside cooked foods in the fridge, creating a risk of cross-contamination.
- Unlabeled foods in the fridges and freezers, making it impossible to determine the age or expiration of the food.
The inspectors emphasized the importance of implementing proper food safety management procedures, based on the ‘Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) principles’. They pointed out that the pub's existing 'Safer Food, Better Business' pack wasn't being followed.
Beyond the food itself, the kitchen's cleanliness was also a major concern. Inspectors reported a general lack of cleanliness, with areas needing thorough cleaning, including:
- Food debris on the kitchen floor, under equipment, and shelving.
- Greasy touchpoints like light switches and plug sockets.
- A greasy wall behind the fryer.
- A microwave with food splatters and debris.
- A fryer with a buildup of congealed grease.
- A chest freezer in the outside storage area with black mold growth.
The pub's spokesperson stated that the kitchen has been closed to address these issues, including some structural problems like a leaky roof. The kitchen is scheduled to remain closed throughout January.
What do you think? Is a one-star hygiene rating a deal-breaker for you? Do you think the pub's response is adequate? Share your thoughts in the comments below!**
