Organic Village Market in Kent raises its hygiene score. It went from zero to three stars after fixing mould and safety issues.
The shop got a zero-star rating last December. They found dirt and mouldy food everywhere. The shop received a final warning. After changes, they now have three stars.
One of the owners is happy about it. The shop is on the High Street. Inspectors from the council visited the shop. The shop sells organic fruits and vegetables. They also sell healthy items.
The council sent the shop a letter. The letter said they were very disappointed. The shop looked dirty, with mouldy food.
Inspectors found many health and safety risks. Black olives were mouldy and uncovered. They were at room temperature. A chiller had a box of bad fruits and herbs. They were discolored or mouldy.
A mouldy item sat on the chiller floor. They could not identify it. Jams and fillings were past their best-before dates. Some were expired for 18 months. One label was too mouldy to read.
A broken glass jar full of screws sat on a shelf. Inspectors called it irresponsible. They said it could cause injuries.
The inspector noted staff habits. Gloves do not replace hand washing. Staff should wash hands between tasks. They should also change gloves. The inspector told them to deep clean.
Clean all equipment carefully. Focus on hidden areas. Clean under heavy equipment too. On January 27, officers revisited the shop. They saw improvements and raised the score. The shop now has three stars.
Muhammed Sajid Khan owns the shop. He said they acted fast. He said they were short-staffed. His manager quit at the same time. He said they are now doing well.
Staff forgot some cleaning. He agreed the cold room had mould. He did not think zero stars were fair. He felt the inspector was too picky. He thinks the shop is high standard. He thinks it still meets that standard.