An Indian restaurant was given the lowest possible food hygiene score after mouse droppings were found on fresh ingredients, a knife and next to open containers of food.

Shapla Tandoori in Sheerness High Street was told major improvements were necessary, with inspectors also finding ceilings made out of chicken wire and a “poor” standard of cleaning.

But although Swale council officers highlighted a catalogue of errors, the “widespread” presence of rodents in the eatery proved to be the most concerning.

The report from June, which was only made available to KentOnline in November due to enforcement action, reveals droppings were found in various places including on a knife and in an oven.

A hygiene inspector said: “At the time of the inspection, I found that there was direct contamination of fresh onions by mice droppings, and droppings noted next to open containers of food and spices.

“All food and articles such as utensils that come into contact with food must be protected from contamination.”

Mouse droppings were also found on multiple cooking and preparation surfaces along with areas of the building including floor wall junctions and in cupboards.

It was not apparent the staff knew there was an infestation, the report said, and they were warned by the hygiene inspector that they needed to be more aware of the risks.

A lack of cleanliness was also an issue.

Along with general dirt and debris, a tin opener was found with a build-up of grime on it while chopping boards had deteriorated to the point they could not be cleaned properly.

No food safety management system was in place, with staff saying papers documenting it had been left behind at a former business premises.

Shapla was also not registered with the council as a food business.

The report stated a small section of ceiling above the double sink was not constructed of a suitable material, instead being made of a wooden frame covered in chicken wire that was collecting debris.

There were also several areas within the kitchen where the tiled walls were in poor condition due to missing tiles and a section of bare plasterboard, while the flooring by the rear door had rips in it and could not be adequately cleaned.

The takeaway was given a zero-star food hygiene rating and told urgent improvement was necessary regarding the cleanliness and condition of facilities, including having appropriate pest control, as well as ensuring checks were in place to ensure that food was safe to eat,

It was also told major improvements were needed regarding the hygienic handling of food.

Since the inspection, the issues with the ceiling, walls and floors have been addressed.

Shapla boss Imran Ali told KentOnline they acquired the business in June and claimed they were “not aware of any infestations at this point” having been friends with the previous owners and taking over in good faith.

“When entering the property in June and the business being handed over we then noticed that there was an issue with mice,” he said. “Upon finding this out we urgently got in touch with a local pest control service.

“We had weekly visits from the pest control service as well as had a deep clean of the whole premises, which was no small task.

“During this time we had a visit from the council health and safety inspection team. They made us aware of the severity of the infestation but we made them aware that we have put in measures to control the situation. “

Since then he says there have not been “any signs of mice”.

He also claims to have had a follow-up visit from the council who have noted progress made, and he believes they will get a new score following a final visit this month.

Mr Ali added: “We as the new owners are constantly making provisions to ensure that the cleanliness of the business is above standard.

“We also understand that the timing of the visit was unfortunate in that we were in the process of moving into the business and setting up and putting in place health and safety measures.”