A chicken shop in Croydon has come under fire for its unsanitary food handling practices during a recent inspection. Favourite Chicken, located on Addington Road in Selsdon, received a low food hygiene rating of one out of five due to multiple violations found by inspectors on July 29.
Inspectors discovered a chicken defrosting in water near the sink, along with a ‘dirty cloth’ being used to clean various items in the shop. The risk of cross-contamination was deemed high, as food was being incorrectly frozen at temperatures below -18 degrees. Additionally, the shop lacked proper measures to ensure that the food being served was safe for consumption.
Furthermore, staff at Favourite Chicken were found to be lacking in training and were not considered suitable for their roles. The hand-washing sink was blocked, dirty, and lacked essential cleaning supplies like soap, raising concerns about the overall cleanliness of the establishment.
The Croydon Council, responsible for monitoring food hygiene standards in the borough, has identified 61 shops and restaurants with a one out of five hygiene rating, indicating a need for improvement. Another 12 businesses have received a zero rating, requiring urgent changes to meet hygiene standards.
Despite the low rating, Favourite Chicken remains open for business and will undergo further inspections to ensure compliance with food safety regulations. The shop did not provide a response to the inspection findings when contacted for comment.
It is crucial for food establishments to maintain high levels of hygiene to protect public health and prevent the spread of foodborne illnesses. Customers should be vigilant about where they choose to dine out and consider hygiene ratings when making dining decisions. By prioritising food safety, businesses can create a positive dining experience for their patrons and build trust within the community.
