A hygiene inspector who discovered a “completely dry” hand basin at an all-you-can-eat buffet told staff they must wash their hands after using the toilet.
The environmental health expert also found unsealed raw meat in a fridge, mouldy walls, and a grease build-up during an inspection at Ashford’s Paper Duck World Buffet.
Paper Duck World Buffet in Ashford was given a two-star food hygiene rating
On noticing no hand-drying facilities in the kitchen, the inspector was taken to the restaurant and handed a napkin to dry their hands.
Following a probe at the popular North Street restaurant, inspectors said food hygiene awareness among staff was “inadequate”.
Ashford Borough Council (ABC) slapped the restaurant with a two out of five food hygiene rating and labelled it “improvement necessary” after the October visit.
In a report KentOnline received via a Freedom of Information request this week, the inspector wrote: “Yellow marigold gloves used for handling raw chicken in the adjacent sink were being stored in the wash hand basin to the rear of the kitchen behind the taps.”
“Wash hand basins must only be used for hand washing and must be kept clear of all items other than those associated with hand washing.
Mould at Paper Duck World Buffet in Ashford. Picture: Ashford Borough CouncilThe inspector says it was apparent during the inspection the level of food hygiene awareness among staff members was “inadequate” during a visit to the Paper Duck World Buffet restaurant. Picture: Ashford Borough Council
“This is to reduce the risk of hands becoming contaminated during washing.”
The inspector found the core temperature of Hong Kong-style chicken, which was out on the lunch buffet, was 53C – despite a temperature log stating any foods below 63C should be discarded.
Front-of-house staff were found to be recording the heat of buffet food using an infrared thermometer, which only identifies the surface temperature.
“It was apparent during the inspection the level of food hygiene awareness amongst staff members was inadequate,” the report continues.
“For example, staff did not follow your procedure for when hot food is below 63C, were defrosting raw food in a ready-to-eat area of the kitchen, and were unaware of the requirement for sanitising and disinfection.
The environmental health team found uncovered raw meat in a fridge, mouldy walls and a build-up of grease on surfaces at Paper Duck World Buffet in Ashford. Picture: Ashford Borough Council
“There are providers of food hygiene training, including online training providers and those that offer courses in other languages.”
The report states there were no hygienic hand drying facilities, such as paper towels, available when they visited.
“When I asked if you had any paper towels stored elsewhere, I was taken to the restaurant dining area and given a napkin to dry my hands,” the inspector added.
“Additionally, it was noted the wash hand basin was not in regular use as it was completely dry.
“Thorough hand washing is essential to prevent cross-contamination.
“Staff must be reminded to wash their hands in the designated wash-hand basin before starting work and after using the toilet, handling raw food, handling rubbish, smoking and taking a break.”
Bottled drinks – including J20s and glasses – were stored in the basement, described as “damp” with “black mould spores” covering the walls and ceilings, at Paper Duck World Buffet. Picture: Ashford Borough Council
“Staff must be reminded to wash their hands in the designated wash-hand basin before starting work and after using the toilet, handling raw food, handling rubbish, smoking and taking a break.”
Bottled drinks – including J20s and glasses – were stored in the basement, which was described as “damp” with “black mould spores” covering the walls and ceilings.
“The same surface was being used for storing clean kitchen equipment (containers) and raw defrosting beef,” the inspector added.
“This may result in cross-contamination where harmful bacteria can spread from raw foods to cooked and ready-to-eat foods via the ‘clean’ food storage containers.
“You must use separate work surfaces.
Yellow marigold gloves used for handling raw chicken in the adjacent sink were being stored in the wash hand basin to the rear of the kitchen behind the taps at Paper Duck World Buffet in Ashford. Picture: Ashford Borough CouncilAn inspector who discovered a “completely dry” handbasin at a buffet restaurant told staff at Paper Duck World Buffet they must wash their hands after using the toilet
“If you do not have enough space to enable you to do this, you must prepare and handle raw foods at different times with adequate cleaning and disinfection of the work surfaces between uses.”
Paper Duck World Buffet did not respond to requests for comment.