Black mould, out-of-date burger patties and mouldy tofu found at Derbyshire hotel and restaurant as it receives one-star food hygiene rating
A Derbyshire Dales hotel and restaurant, which has recently received a one-out-of-five hygiene rating, is working hard to improve ahead of a re-inspection.
The New Bath Hotel, located at New Bath Road in Matlock Bath, recently received a one-star hygiene rating following an inspection carried out on February 11 – meaning “major improvement” is “necessary”.
During their visit, inspectors found that the venue was “dirty” and many out of date food products were identified.
Some fridges in the kitchen were “dirty and sticky to touch” while the walk in fridge walls were "dirty and required cleaning”.
“Visible black mould” was found on storage trays in the fridge.
Inspectors noted that some of the wall coverings had food splash marks building up and the surface at the pot wash had a “build up of food debris”.
The wall/ floor junctions had a “build up of dirt and debris” and further “dirt” was found on pipework around the kitchen.
A number of food items in the kitchen were past their manufacturers use by date at the time of the inspection on February 11.
Inspectors found eight beef burger patties with use by date of February 6 in the fridge and a pack of tofu with visible “mould” and use by date of December 26.
Other out-of-date items included five packs of Mozzarella cheese, seven packs of Italian antipasti and chicken breast, with a use by date of February 10.
Further food safety concerns were raised due to dry storage products being stored in the raw meat/ fish room – including some ready to eat products such as meringues.
Gluten free bread and gluten containing bread were being stored together and gluten free puddings were being stored with gluten containing puddings.
Inspectors noted that these items were packaged but still presented a cross contamination risk and food allergy-related concerns.
During the inspection, a chef “could not find” the sanitiser spray bottle used alongside the degreaser and it was “unclear” whether this product was being used correctly.
A ceiling tile was ajar "presenting an opening for pests” but no evidence of pests in the premises was found.
Inspectors urged the venue to retrain staff in line with FSA guidance including cleaning and disinfection, stock control including opening/ closing checks, cooling procedures and cooking procedures for burgers.
Radissons Hotels, which runs the New Bath Hotel, said that they were aware of the inspection and took the findings “extremely seriously”.
The venue has already addressed “main concerns” raised in the report and is currently working on further improvements ahead of reinspection.
A spokesperson for Radissons Hotels said: “At the time of inspection, standards fell below our usual levels, and we sincerely regret this. We take the findings extremely seriously.
“The main concerns were relating to the fabric of the building, which have now been fully addressed and resolved. All required actions on the report were completed within 48 hours, alongside a review of all our procedures.
“We are confident in our food safety standards moving forward and are working closely with the local authority ahead of a reinspection.”