Zero-star hygiene rating for Kent butcher after curtained toilet found in food prep area

A butcher's shop has been hit with a zero-star hygiene rating after a curtained toilet was found in the food preparation area.

Food hygiene inspectors have handed the Rayan Butcher and Grocery in Ashford, Kent the rock-bottom score after also discovering an illegal import of meat products.

The scathing review reveals how staff were not wearing protective clothing when handling raw meat and no suitable cleaning or disinfectant products were being used to clean equipment and utensils.

The owner of the shop has revealed customers are now "scared" to use the business due to the damning rating.

The report from Inspectors at Ashford Borough Council said: "The toilet in the wash-up areas opens directly into a room where food was being stored and handled. There was no door - only a curtain.

"Lavatories must not open directly into rooms in which food is handled. A lobby is required between the toilet and food room.

"There must be a ventilated lobby between the toilet and food handling area."

Raw meat and fresh vegetables were found to be stored in the same chiller, with the report saying these should be stored separately to prevent cross-contamination.

An illegal import of meat from Nigeria was also discovered at the shop.

The report added how there were no suitable cleaning and disinfectant products being used to clean equipment and utensils.

Several food items were found past their best-before date and a number of items were found to be in a state of disrepair.

The report continued: "There is an open drain at the threshold of the butchery and rear wash up area.

"The drain pipe to the wash hand basin in the butchery was sealed with sticky tape and is corrugated so waste will collect in it.

"Drainage facilities must be adequate for the purpose intended. They are to be designed and constructed to avoid the risk of contamination."

Previously called Alim Butcher and Grocery, father-of-three Ibrahim Awad launched the grocery and Halal butchers in 2021.

The Syrian refugee arrived in the town with his wife and children just before Christmas in 2015 and the former stonemason was determined to forge a new life for himself.

But he now fears his shop will be forced to close following the damning report.

He said: "The business is my life. I work day and night to build it - it is not easy. It is a bad situation, everyone is talking about it and now they're scared to come to me. I am going to have a hard time now."

Mr Awad also said that the illegal import of Nigerian meat was not on the shelf and was in storage, and he is now working to address the concerns raised in the report.

A council spokesperson said: "During inspections appropriate advice is provided to businesses on how they can improve and they are subsequently able to book a revisit to be re-evaluated."