Iqbal Cash and Carry given zero rating for food hygiene

Iqbal Cash and Carry

Iqbal Cash and Carry on Mere Lane, Rochdale has been given a rating of zero, following an inspection by the Food Standards Agency.

The cash and carry is the only store in Greater Manchester to get a zero out of five rating, after an inspection was undertaken on 1 July 2015.

It is understood that Rochdale Council inspectors found a number of issues with the store including no temperature controls, no hot water, no cleaning materials and ‘dirty’ conditions. Pest control was also deemed inadequate with flies in the building. Waste meat was not properly disposed of and the butchery department and associated chillers were voluntarily closed for a day.

Improvement notices were served to the store and there is an ongoing investigation into conditions.

Manager of Iqbal Cash and Carry, Iqbal Sfdar said: “We are working on improving the rating and are currently closed until Monday (17 August) whilst we refurbish the store and clear everything up.

“We are working on improving it and I assure you we are working on it.”

The Food Hygiene Rating Scheme is run by local authorities in England, Northern Ireland and Wales and applies to restaurants, pubs, cafes, takeaways, hotels, supermarkets and other food shops.

The rating or inspection result reflects the standards of food hygiene found on the date of the inspection.

Mark Widdup, Director of Economy and Environment at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “Businesses issued with a zero hygiene rating require urgent improvement. Further inspections will be carried out to ensure they comply with the improvement notice and an adequate hygiene standard is reached.”