Jaffna Bites, in Prince Avenue, Westcliff, was given the damning zero-out-of-five rating last month after multiple safety and hygiene failings uncovered by Southend Council inspectors.
Issues found at the business, which opened last summer, included the same cutting board being used for raw and cooked food, and raw food being stored next to ready-to-eat foods.
Inspectors also found a “hole in the kitchen floor” caused by tiles collapsing to create a larger hole.
Manager, Thanusan Jegatheeswaran, claims that since the inspection he has taken measures to repair and clean the business and retrain staff in food safety and hygiene.
The inspector report said: “Redundant equipment was found to the rear yard which poses ideal materials for pests to harbour.
“If you are no longer using equipment, it is better to remove from site to prevent pest harbourage.
“Food was found in the premises with no date labelling, I was informed food made onsite to be used later had a three-day shelf life, however there was no evidence of this.
“You must ensure all food items prepared/made onsite not to be used on the same day are date labelled.
“You must ensure all food handlers engaged in your food business are supervised, instructed and trained in food hygiene matters as necessary, bearing in mind the type of work which they do.
“My observation at the time indicated staff refreshers are required so that staff are aware of basic food safety principles.”
Mr Jegatheeswaran accepted the findings but said that work has taken place to improve the business.
He said: “We have cleared up the business and there was damaged flooring inside which the landlord has fixed for us.
“I have since trained the staff and told them what needs to be done, and I have not been at the business all the time myself.
“I am making sure they are doing a deep clean once a week and we have changed the way we operate, I am confident we can be trusted, and we are trying to get a reinspection from Southend Council.”
The business closed for less than 48 hours the day after the inspection for a deep clean.