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Lam’s Garden Chinese takeaway in Ashford given one-star hygiene rating as ‘unidentifiable green substance’ found

A long-running Chinese takeaway has been slapped with a one-star hygiene rating after an inspector discovered an “unidentifiable green substance”.

The environmental health expert also found dirt and a lack of soap in the kitchen during a visit to Lam’s Garden in Godinton Road, Ashford.

A thick layer of grease was found on the fryer at Lam’s Garden in Ashford during a visit in November
A thick layer of grease was found on the fryer at Lam’s Garden in Ashford during a visit in November

Pictures show a thick layer of grease around the deep fryer, and streaks dripping down walls.

Handing the business the second-lowest possible score, the Ashford Borough Council inspector said a “bottle of green unidentifiable substance was found in a used fish sauce bottle” during the visit on November 21.

“It was alleged to be for staff use however this was not clear and was found on a shelf with other ingredients used for food served by the establishment,” they said.

“Foods for personal use should be clearly labelled and easy to identify.”

Cleaning issues were also discovered during the visit, with the inspector ordering bosses to give all surfaces a thorough wipe.

Lam's Garden has been given a one-star rating following a visit by Ashford Borough Council
Lam's Garden has been given a one-star rating following a visit by Ashford Borough Council
Broken containers could not be properly cleaned at Lam’s Garden
Broken containers could not be properly cleaned at Lam’s Garden

They found there was no dedicated hand-wash basin and no tea towels or tissues for drying.

“There was a build-up of grease, dust and other debris which could result in contamination of foods being handled on the work surfaces and sinks below,” they added.

“Touchpoints including door handles, light switches, power outlet switches, fridge and freezer handles were greasy and require more attention when cleaning.”

The inspector said chef’s whites also needed washing, as did aprons hanging up ready for use.

They added: “There was no clear designated hand wash basin in the kitchen, despite having three separate basins.

The inspector found touchpoints at Lam’s Garden, such as light switches, were dirty
The inspector found touchpoints at Lam’s Garden, such as light switches, were dirty
Bosses were told to clean surfaces and store food properly at Lam’s Garden
Bosses were told to clean surfaces and store food properly at Lam’s Garden
Lam’s Garden was inspected on November 21
Lam’s Garden was inspected on November 21

“Provisions should be made to clearly identify a hand wash basin for food handlers to use to reduce potential contamination from occurring for example, from the food wash sinks.

“Furthermore, there was no hand wash soap or means for drying hands present at any of the basins until I asked if you had any.”

Staff were reminded to wash their hands after handling raw food and rubbish, using the toilet, smoking and taking a break.

Fears of cross-contamination were also raised, as workers were storing buckets of soda crystals near similar containers of flour and sugar.

The report added: “Foods, including prawn crackers and various spices and food packaging, are being stored in a domestic use ‘front room’ amongst other accumulated domestic clutter.

Ashford Borough Council handed bosses a one-star food hygiene rating
Ashford Borough Council handed bosses a one-star food hygiene rating
Dirt was found on walls and surfaces at Lam’s Garden
Dirt was found on walls and surfaces at Lam’s Garden
Dirty containers without labels were found at Lam’s Garden
Dirty containers without labels were found at Lam’s Garden

“The layout and design of the food premises should permit adequate cleaning and maintenance, protect against the accumulation of dirt and the shedding of particles, permit good food hygiene practices and protect against contamination.

“You must relocate the foods in the domestic area to a dry storage area which allows for effective cleaning and maintenance.”

The inspector also noted several containers of food were damaged, meaning they could not be cleaned properly.

Lam’s Garden has been contacted for comment.

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