Bosses behind a pizza takeaway found with an “unsatisfactory” standard of cleanliness in several areas say issues were “immediately addressed” after a one-star hygiene inspection. 

LA Pizza, at 2 Empire Buildings, on Gilesgate in Durham, was told major improvement was necessary after inspectors visited the site on September 23.

Durham Council has now released the full report for the inspection, which found several pieces of equipment in disrepair, confusion over the use of tongs, and cooked chicken for pizza toppings being left to cool at room temperature “for an excessive time”.

Inspectors have since revisited LA Pizza, noting that “very good improvements” have been made - and it is now awaiting a re-rating inspection. 

A spokesperson for the takeaway said: “We immediately addressed the issues raised in the report within a couple of days of the inspection, and also updated our staff's health and safety and allergen training.

“Inspectors were “very happy with the improvements” when revisiting a few weeks later. We are waiting for our rating to be reassessed, any day now. We’d like to thank our loyal customers for all your support.”

Report details released

During the inspection, a food handler wearing gloves placed raw burgers on the griddle then went straight to prepare salad on a green chopping board. 

After the issue was mentioned, they washed their gloves and returned to the preparation area - but gloves should never be washed and must be regularly changed.

The inspector was advised that separate tongs were used to handle raw and cooked foods on the griddle, however, the equipment looked the same. A food handler used the same tong to flip a burger during cooking and placing the cooked product in a bun

A box of tomatoes was also found stored on the floor in the walk-in refrigerator under containers of raw meat. 

The food safety officer said it was initially advised raw chicken for parmesans is washed on site - but it was then later advised this practice does not happen.

During the visit, it was advised that cooked chicken for pizza toppings was left to cool at room temperature for an excessive time - up to three hours. 

There was no soap at the wash hand basin in the toilet compartment and some food handlers were not wearing suitable protective clothing, the latter presenting a risk of contamination. 

There was also no disinfectant present at the time of the visit meaning surfaces and equipment could not be disinfected.

The following areas were also found in disrepair: 

  • The floor covering under the shelving unit in the rear preparation area was in a poor condition
  • Tiles were missing from the wall covering under the wash hand basin 
  • There was a large hole in the ceiling in the WC compartment
  • A small section of wood to the step between the kitchen and rear preparation area was damaged

The standard of cleanliness was described as “unsatisfactory” in several areas, including in low-level areas in the kitchen and rear prep area, the toilet, the filter above the griddle, and filters above the pizza oven. 

Several pieces of equipment were also described as being in disrepair, including the bottom plastic shelf in the walk-in fridge being damaged, a “heavily worn” chopping board, a screwdriver on top of the kebab grill, and a “rusty” tin opener. 

The frame in the mixer in the rear preparation area and the tin opener were also not clean. 

The level of food hygiene awareness amongst some staff was also described as “inadequate”, and an incorrect food hygiene rating sticker was displayed in the venue. 

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The business was also using the old version of safer food, a better, business pack and it was clear some of the safe methods were not being followed.

There was also no allergen signpost on display at the time of the visit. 

LA Pizza is now awaiting a reinspection.