Morrisons said it has taken immediate action to address and resolve all issues raised during the inspection
Morrisons store in Kirkby(Image: Liverpool Echo)
Rat droppings, dirty floors, dirty walls and the build up of waste materials were some of the problems identified at a large supermarket outlet in Kirkby.
The Morrisons in Kirkby town centre opened in 2021 and was the first major supermarket to serve the area for over forty years. However, ‘major’ changes are now needed after food hygiene inspectors found a number of issues around the store.
Local businesses are regularly inspected by local authorities across the Liverpool city region to ensure hygiene provisions maintain a high standard. Councils across England support the national Food Hygiene Rating Scheme which is designed to help consumers choose where to eat out or shop for food by giving them information about hygiene standards.
Following inspections by Knowsley Council’s environmental health officials, the Morrisons on Telegraph Way was graded with a one star rating out of a possible five following an inspection on March 10. Despite it praised for its hygienic food handling operations, Morrisons Kirkby was found to be in breach of a number of codes.
After a Freedom of Information (FOI) request, the Liverpool ECHO was provided with details of the inspection report which confirmed the environment team visited the store following a complaint regarding ‘pest activity’.
The report concerns around staff training due to the ‘inadequate’ management of food storage, waste disposal and cleaning activities. However, perhaps the most concerning was the discovery of rat droppings in the store.
The inspector wrote: “The floor coverings in the open food areas were dirty especially at floor/wall junctions and behind or below equipment. There were accumulations of waste beneath the shelving at the time of inspection.”
Adding: “During the inspection rat droppings were present noted in the food warehouse to the rear of the shop. It is unacceptable to have pests in a food business.
“Appropriate treatment methods must be used to eliminate these pests and documented appropriately. Ensure pest access points are identified and closed off to prevent further issues.
“There were accumulations of waste around the site on the floor near the refuse storage area. Rat droppings were present behind the bin store area. You should remove these accumulations of waste and maintain the outdoor area in a clean condition.”
Furthermore, information made available online by the Food Standards Agency said ‘major improvements’ are now needed in regards to cleanliness at the store and the management of food safety.
Inspectors also clarified the store’s obligations to ensure that food sold or served is safe to eat, provide evidence staff know about food safety and the food safety officer has confidence standards will be maintained in future.
A Morrisons spokesperson said: “The food safety within our stores is really important to us. We have taken immediate action to address and resolve all issues raised during the inspection.
“We have also been in contact with the local authority and requested a re-inspection in order to achieve an improved rating.”