Iceland said it prioritises hygiene and remains dedicated to maintaining a clean environment
Stock image of Iceland store(Image: Fabio De Paola/PA Wire)
Rodent droppings, evidence of chewed insulation and ‘extremely’ dirty freezers were some of the problems identified at a large supermarket outlet in Kirkby.
The Iceland store in Kirkby town centre was inspected in February and awarded a hygiene rating of one. The report noted ‘major changes’ would be needed to improve conditions after identifying 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 Iceland in St Chad’s Parade was graded with a one star rating out of a possible five following THE inspection on February 24.
After a Freedom of Information (FOI) request, the Liverpool ECHO was provided with details of the inspection report which identified a concern around staff training due to the ‘inadequate’ management of food storage, waste disposal and cleaning activities.
The inspector wrote: “The floor coverings in the freezers and chillers were extremely dirty especially at floor/wall junctions and behind or below equipment.
“There were accumulations of waste beneath the shelving at the time of inspection.
“The wall coverings throughout the upstairs of the store, including food rooms, fridges and freezers, were dirty.”
Perhaps the most concerning aspect of the report related to the discovery of mice droppings in the store. The report added: “Mouse droppings were present [and] noted throughout the store including upstairs in the ‘equipment’ room, in various locations throughout the main food warehouse, in the ‘void’ room off the staff room [and] in the ‘void’ room which is a food room off the main warehouse.
“Downstairs some droppings, that appeared to be old, were found under the shelving beneath the chocolate bars [and] behind the cabinet where strawberries were on sale.
“There was evidence of chewed expanding foam in the ‘void’ room off the staff room.”
Information made available online by the Food Standards Agency said ‘major improvements’ were 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.
However, since the February assessment, the store has implemented significant changes and has achieved the highest possible rating. An Iceland spokesperson said: “We can confirm that after a re-inspection of our Kirby store, it has regained its 5-star hygiene rating.
“Iceland prioritises safety, hygiene and remains dedicated to maintaining a safe and clean environment.”