Milton Keynes shop had 'black mould' where food was stored, say hygiene inspectors

Best One in Serpentine Court on the Lakes estate in Bletchley received a rating of one star when it was inspected in October 2019.

A Food Hygiene Rating of one means that major improvements are necessary. A business will receive a one rating if they score between 45 and 50 points. For example, if there are a number of breaches to food hygiene and a lack of training among staff.

This week, the MK Citizen gained access to the full report.

It describes how inspectors found boxes of crisps and other food stored next to a wall that was "covered in black mould/mildew."

And it states: "Whilst it is acknowledged that these foods are low-risk and fully packaged, this is still poor practice and could result in potential food contamination. You must store foods away from damp and mouldy areas of your premises."

The report adds: "The rear store room containing your storage fridge and freezer is cluttered with old stock, furniture and car tyres and cannot be adequately cleaned or checked for pests. Clear and clean this room and maintain in a clean condition."

It also highlights how "persistent water ingress has caused significant damage to the ceiling" in the rear store room and corridor areas. This could pose a contamination risk to foodstuff, said the inspectors.

"This has been an ongoing problem for some time and must be resolved," said the report, which orders that mould, flaking paint and damaged plaster should be removed and the wall surfaces made sound.

"Walls should be maintained in a clean and sound condition. However, the problems with your internal walls are exacerbated by the water ingress through the ceiling which should be

addressed as the priority," it states.

It adds: "The water damage to the ceiling in the rear of your business may be causing unseen structural damage which could potentially affect the health and safety of your

employees. Any repairs made to the ceiling must leave it in a safe condition that will not cause injury to staff. You must ensure that the necessary remedial measures are

completed thoroughly."

The MK Citizen has tried to contact the store over two days for a response.

The future of the store is unclear as the whole of Serpentine Court is set to be demolished by the council to make way for new housing and shops. This is part of MK Council's regeneration plans for the estate.

No date has been set for the demolition however, and no planning application has yet been lodged.

The owner of the store was not available for comment on Thursday or Friday at the time of writing.