Huddersfield takeaway’s one-star hygiene score over worker’s ‘chewing gum’ and lack of hand washing

A council inspector who visited a restaurant in Huddersfield village found the hot water was not working and staff were not washing their hands regularly.

Kirklees Council’s inspector found a number of problems at New Paradise, an Indian restaurant in Highgate Lane, Lepton, during a visit in February. Staff were unable to wash their hands and equipment properly due to boiler issues and staff were unable to wash their hands regularly. The takeaway was told to “boil hot water for cleaning in the meantime”.

Kirklees Council provided a copy of the food hygiene report following a Freedom of Information Act request. The inspector found that the takeaway’s SFBB pack – Safer Food, Better Business – was not complete and staff had not been trained in its use.

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The inspector also found problems with staff personal hygiene, writing: “At the time of my visit one member of staff was chewing gum and the other who had long hair not tied back.

“Train and practice good personal hygiene to prevent cross-contamination.”

The floor and floor-to-wall joints were found to be dirty, especially under the sinks. The takeaway was told to clean these areas and keep them in a clean condition.

Two microwave ovens were found at the scene, one inoperative and the other rusted. The business was told to replace the microwave. The “touch points” in the business were said to be dirty and the back yard was crowded. The inspector advised the business to remove all waste to prevent pests.

A refrigerator seal was found to be damaged and the refrigerator was dirty inside and out. He was told to buy a “tip probe” to check temperatures and to stop using an infrared probe as they give air temperature, not product temperature. The inspector found that the food did not cool quickly after it was cooked. The hand washing basin taps were found to be in poor condition and needed to be replaced.

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Some of the issues required immediate rectification, according to the Feb. 7 inspection report. The inspector returned a week later and rated the takeaway with one star, noting: “Following contraventions identified at the initial inspection, the following rating has been awarded. On our review, hot water was available and you started filling your SFBB package.”

A hygiene rating of one star means “major improvement” is needed. The arrival was told that “improvement is required” in food hygiene and safety, and “major improvement” in management. The rating was published on the Scores website on the Doors website.

New Paradise could not be reached for comment.