A fish and chip shop in Par, Cornwall, received a zero hygiene rating due to several issues discovered during an inspection by Cornwall Council on July 23. Biscovey Fish Bar was found to have a container with live maggots in a foul-smelling liquid, along with “mouldy” chicken and a fly infestation. The Food Standards Agency deemed urgent improvements necessary, citing poor food hygiene and cleanliness standards, expired food items, and structural deficiencies.
The shop’s managers, who took over in March, expressed surprise at the findings and disclosed that they had invested significant funds in rectifying the problems. According to information obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request by Cornwall Live, maggots were promptly disposed of on-site, while other violations included rotting food, unsanitary storage practices, and expired perishables.
Further investigations revealed additional issues such as moldy chicken portions, inadequate handwashing facilities, and a lack of hot water in staff restrooms. The establishment also suffered from structural shortcomings, including missing door handles and broken wall tiling.
Despite the initial setbacks, subsequent inspections on July 29 and September 4 showed noticeable improvements in cleanliness and hygiene practices at the fish and chip shop. The manager acknowledged the ongoing efforts to enhance the premises since taking over, addressing structural defects and investing in renovations. The manager clarified that they were unaware of the maggot-infested container, attributing the infestation to a leak near a boiler.
After implementing necessary changes, the manager anticipated a higher hygiene rating upon reevaluation by environmental health inspectors. The establishment had made significant investments in renovations and improvements, including addressing structural issues and ensuring compliance with hygiene standards.
