A Powys store has received a zero rating from the Food Standards Agency after inspectors found mould and holes in the ceiling.

Premier Stores in Knighton was given a zero rating by the agency after inspectors found that there were issues with both the structure of the building as well as issues surrounding hygiene and training at the store.

Inspectors noted that the back of the store of the store had many structural issues including “a hole in the stockroom ceiling” which they advised to “renew or repair”. They also found that the room had “bare plaster” which could not easily be cleaned.

Both the store and its parent company have been approached for comment.

They also recommended that the store fix the flooring in the shop which was “starting to lift in some areas” and was being held down by tape.

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Inspectors also noted multiple areas of concern around hygiene issues. They found a “build up of mould on the inside and on the lid seals of the chest freezer” which they recommended needed a “thorough cleaning”.

They also found the first row of shelves and food packing were “dirty and dusty” and that the hand wash basin in the rear kitchen was also dirty”.

In the report the inspector also notes that “it was apparent from discussions during my inspection that the level of food hygiene awareness amongst your staff was inadequate on certain important food safety matters related to their work responsibilities.

“You must ensure that all food handlers engaged in your food business are supervised, instructed and/or trained in food hygiene matters to a level appropriate to their work activity.”

“Staff must be made aware that they must report if they are suffering from an illness or disease, such as diarrhoea or vomiting, that is likely to be transmitted through food you must take appropriate action.

“This may involve excluding them from work or from certain jobs. They should only return to work if they are 48 hours symptom free, please note some infectious diseases require medical clearance before return to work is permitted.”

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They added: “At the time of inspection, it was noted that no temperature monitoring records had been completed in the logbook since October 9, 2022 apart from the piece of paper the staff member had written down on for that day.

“You must examine all food operations carried out within your business, including the purchase, storage and service, and ensure that at each stage, the food is being treated in a safe and hygienic way.

“This close examination of your food business operations, known as a Food Safety Management Procedure, is not difficult to carry out and the controls you put in place can be very simple.

“However, I have enclosed some leaflets to help you, and if you have any further queries regarding this requirement, please do not hesitate to contact me.”