Inspectors find months out of date Chicken Kievs and 'mouldy' ice machine at Cheshire pub

A pub has been told to make major improvements to hygiene after inspectors discovered mould in an ice machine and out-of-date frozen food. After a visit from the Food Standards Agency, The Harp Inn in Little Neston, Cheshire, was given a rating of one which means 'major improvement necessary'.

During a visit on February 4, inspectors found raw chicken kievs with a use-by date of September 17, 2021 still being stored in the freezer, as well as raw lamb mince with a use-by date of January 30, Cheshire Live reported.

In a recently published report, the FSA said it is 'an offence to expose food for sale after the use-by date has expired, even if the food has been frozen'. The report said: "This may only be permitted if the product with a use by date has been frozen and is then intended for use as an ingredient in another product/dish.

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"In these circumstances you must ensure that there is some indication on the label from the manufacturer that it is suitable for freezing and that you have in place robust systems to ensure food safety for the process of extending the shelf life in your documented food safety management system."

The pub's ice machine was also found to be dirty. The report added: "The ice-making machine was dirty/mouldy and presented a risk of contamination to the ice. It must be switched off, emptied then thoroughly cleaned and disinfected, paying particular attention to the door seals to avoid the risk of contamination."

At the time of the inspection, the machine was switched off and empty. The lid of a freezer in an outside storeroom was judged to be 'in poor condition'. Concerns were raised about 'pest proofing', with gaps found in the eaves of the outside storeroom and at the base of the cellar door.

Inspectors added: "Any gaps in the structure must be filled or covered with a solid, durable material in order to minimise pest entry points into food preparation and storage areas." The pub was judged as being 'generally satisfactory' in hygienic food handling and 'good' in the cleanliness and condition of the building.