Rat droppings were cited as a leading reason behind a food hygiene rating of one that was issued to Machynlleth’s Centre for Alternative Technology.

Rodent droppings in both the storage and food service area were among the problems with the Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) at a recent food hygiene inspection that saw the Machynlleth eco-centre receive a rating of one out of a possible five.

The centre says it is now taking action and awaiting the results of a follow-up inspection.

The inspection was carried out in May 2024, and noted how the centre was storing food as well as contamination to several areas.

The report said: “At the time of inspection, rat droppings were seen on the floor of the compost room in the building to the side of the service area where the food waste is taken from the kitchen.

“Rodent activity was seen in the building where drink cans and bottles were stored, as well as utensils, that come into contact with food such as plates, cutlery and flasks, etc. The room is directly open and shared only by a half wall to where rat droppings were identified.

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“During the inspection, mouse droppings were seen by the breakfast fridge in the food service area.

“Various foods, including cans of drinks and bottles of squash, were being stored outdoors in building at the back of the kitchen with the door wide open.

"Leaves had blown in across the floor and the room was directly adjoined with an open space to the compost room, where rat droppings were seen at the time of the inspection. This may result in contamination of the food.”

While several issues were identified, the report also noted that a revisit had been carried out later in May and that improvements had been made.

It added: “It was noted during the revisit that the area was clean and free from rat droppings, and a pest control operator was monitoring the area with regular visits.

“A sign had been put on the door of the outside store, not to put any food, drink or kitchen items in the room and the room had been completely cleared out and cleaned.”

A spokesperson for CAT said: “Following a recent inspection of the café, our food hygiene rating was downgraded. 

“Our team works hard to maintain our high standards of hygiene, and the safety of our visitors is our top priority.

 “We have taken immediate measures to review and introduce an additional layer of processes to ensure that this doesn’t happen again.”