THE Pizza Hut takeaway in Erith is so dirty that even equipment coming out of the dishwasher is considered a health hazard, according to an inspection report.

A Bexley Council inspector found a further 16 areas and items inside the takeaway, in Bexley Road, to be unclean and at risk of contaminating food.

These included items used in the production of almost every pizza such as the pizza oven, the equipment tubs, the vegetable slicer and the fridges and freezers.

Even the telephone was so dirty it was considered to be a risk.

As a result, the restaurant was issued with an official food hygiene rating of zero, the lowest possible.

The food hygiene inspection, which was carried out at the premises on November 12 last year, also found the takeaway had failed to comply with health and safety procedures.

An incorrect temperature setting on the refrigerator storing the pizza toppings meant the foods were likely to encourage the growth of food poisoning bacteria.

Rules say the toppings must be stored at less than 8C but by 10am on the day of the visit, the temperature inside the fridge was 15C.

The floor, walls, ceiling, doors and staff toilets were all found to be in a dirty condition and staff were ordered to clean these to comply with structural requirements.

A Pizza Hut spokeswoman said: "This particular outlet was an isolated incident that has subsequently significantly improved. "It has since been revisited by an environmental health officer, who was pleased with the hygiene standards now being maintained and the delivery restaurant will be formally reassessed in the coming months.

"Health and safety is of the utmost importance to Pizza Hut and we are committed to maintaining high standards in all our branches."

Food hygiene ratings in Bexley

Pizza Hut in Erith is one of 50 premises inspected by Bexley Council to receive the lowest grading of zero, meaning urgent improvement is necessary. The council has inspected 742 outlets serving food in the borough and seven per cent have received the lowest rating.

What happens next?

Bexley Council’s inspector made a total of 13 recommendations following the inspection, which Pizza Hut must rectify before a re-inspection can be requested.

These included suggestions mops, buckets and brooms should be stored in cupboard separate from food preparation areas and disused items should be removed to minimise surfaces where dirt can collect.

The inspector concluded the report saying: "There was no evidence on site that works have been scheduled.

"In my opinion the poor structure is contributing to the poor standard of cleaning observed during the inspection."