Food hygiene inspectors found meat with no labels, dirty reusable cloths and flies in the kitchen when they visited BBQ Xpress in Welling.

Bexley Council inspectors visited the shop in Bellegrove Road in May and in documents recently revealed to News Shopper it emerged that flies were potentially contaminating food.

The inspectors look at how hygienically food is handled, the condition and cleanliness of the building and how the management ensures food is safe and standards are maintained. Each area is given a rating between zero - meaning urgent improvement necessary - and five - meaning very good.

The establishment is then given an overall rating and in BBQ Xpress’s case, it was given a 'one', meaning ‘major improvement’ is necessary.

In the report, inspectors state: “No labelling information, date or name was on meat stored in the cold room.

“Open cans were stored in the fridge. The same cling film dispenser was used for wrapping raw meat and ready-to-eat food.

“Dirty reusable cloths were used.

“Flies were present in the kitchen potentially contaminating food and surfaces they land on.

“Food handlers were using the same tongs for handling raw meat and cooked meat at the griddle.”

Inspectors found three combs and a small mirror in the food preparation area as well.

 

BBQ Xpress was told to thoroughly clean the food preparation area, paying attention to areas behind cooking appliances.

They were also told to repair a leak to a salad chiller and to put towels in at the hand wash basin.

When contacted by the News Shopper an employee said they had taken all the necessary steps for improvement.

He said: “Of course. We are ready to be checked again we are just waiting for them to check again.

“They can come anytime.”

BBQ Xpress was inspected on May 23.