'Worst ever': Filthy Chinese takeaway shocks food inspectors

Filthy tubs containing food and greasy containers cut down and used as food scoops Credit: Basildon Council

A filthy Chinese takeaway in the "worst state” a magistrate has ever seen has been fined £10,000.

Cleaning standards were described as "totally inadequate" at Can Can, in Appletree Way, Wickford.

Inspectors found the kitchen was coated with food, grime and grease, with filthy tea towels being used to dry hands.

Food storage containers were in a broken and dirty condition, risking bacterial contamination and fragments of plastic being found in the food.

Dirty, greasy sink, taps and cloth Credit: Basildon Council

Raw meat was being stored next to ready-to-eat food, cooked chicken was out of temperature control, and out-of-date food was found in the chiller.

The extraction system filters were clogged with thick grease, increasing the risk of fire at the premises, Basildon Council said.

Raw meat stored next to vegetables Credit: Basildon Council

The takeaway in Essex had already been given food hygiene advice and sent several warning letters following earlier inspections.

Following March's visit, the owner was charged with 13 separate food hygiene offences at Basildon Magistrates’ Court and fined £500 for each offence as well as a victim surcharge of £50.

He also has to pay full costs of £3,844, to the council.

Ingrained dirt, grease and food debris on a floor and shelving unit Credit: Basildon Council