An Indian takeaway in Redcar, North Yorkshire, has been slammed with a food hygiene rating of 1 out of 5 after it was found to be extremely dirty, and posing a number of health risks. Seaside Tandoori of Lord Street was told it needed “major improvement” after it was discovered to contain “high electrocution risks”

Within the inspection, it was found that a microwave had been placed on a piece of wood on top of a draining board. Due to the fact this posed a huge health hazard, it was “moved immediately”, the report said.

A letter by a council inspector, which was seen by the Local Democracy Reporting service, said the floor throughout was dirty and the standard of cleaning generally was insufficient.

Dirty areas extended to sinks and basins; door seals and handles of fridges and freezers; light switches; oven range controls and the walls, floors and ceiling of the staff toilet.

A sink meant for employees to wash their hands was blocked by equipment.

An inspector wrote: “Staff indicated that the same cloths were being used for the cleaning of raw and ready to eat contact surfaces, presenting the risk of contamination.

“Cloths must be kept clean, disinfected and replaced regularly (although it is more hygienic to use disposable cloths). It is important that separate cloths are used for the cleaning of raw and ready to eat food equipment to prevent contamination.”

The inspector noted the premises were in structural disrepair, including holes in the ceiling and walls that were damaged, exposing bare plaster. The inspector also said that there had been a lack of documented food safety management procedures and current monitoring records.

No contraventions were identified regarding provision of allergen information to customers, or the description given to food being sold. A representative for the takeaway said improvements had been made with a view to obtaining a re-rating.