Makkie’s Pizzeria in Shanklin has been handed a 1-star food hygiene rating after Environmental Health inspectors found numerous faults in the workings of the pizza joint, including there being no allergen information whatsoever publicised on their menu.
The eatery, which is situated on High Street, opposite the junction with Orchardleigh Road, opened up back in 2018.
Inspectors from the Isle of Wight Council’s Environmental Health team paid a visit to the establishment on 9th December 2022, finding a host of faults in the operation of the pizzeria.
During the inspection, it was found that a system to help identify and monitor hazards at the premises was not implemented and that the business failed to identify the relevant hazards and checks that are necessary to ensure that the food they serve is correct.
Whilst conducting an inspection of the kitchen at the takeaway it was found that no checks were being made to confirm that chicken and fish is cooked to a safe temperature and that staff at the premises were unaware of the sources of acrylamide – when a chemical reaction occurs between amino acids and sugars – that is often found in bread, potatoes and chips.
The wash basin in the kitchen was unclean and was obstructed by a freezer that had been placed in front of it. Furthermore, staff were unaware of how to use specific cleaning products relying upon guesswork instead of following instructions that are stated on the packaging.
Hand contact surfaces throughout the kitchen, which are used to prepare the pizzas, were found to be unclean and the general standard of hygiene was deemed ‘unsatisfactory’ by the inspector. The cleanliness of some kitchen equipment – namely the can opener and a blue chopping board that was in need of replacing – wasn’t satisfactory either.
Inspectors found that the premises weren’t advertising allergen information on their menus – or anywhere elsewhere – and that the staff were unaware of their requirements and duty to do so.
The final serious fault that was found in the operation of Makkie’s pizzeria was that the business had recently changed hands, but subsequent authorities were not told of that change in ownership.
Makkie’s has recently announced that it is to be closed until mid-March citing the need to ‘take a bit of a break’.
In response to the publication of this article, a spokesperson from Makkie’s has said:
“Points raised in the report have all been addressed and Makkies looks forward to opening again for the season.”
UPDATE – Suzanne Churcher, owner of Makki’s, has said in a statement:
“Points raised in the report have all been addressed and Makkies looks forward to opening again for the season”.
Food Hygiene Rating – Scores on the doors
Compliance with food hygiene and safety procedures – 15
Compliance with structural requirements – 10
Confidence in management/control procedures – 20
Total score: 45 (1 rating)
Vote with your feet and wallet…
1star ,should be closed down and only allowed to open when all problems are rectified…
And then checked regularly…
Training in cleaning should be mandatory, …..
I’m sure they’ll be reducing prices now. Cheap pizzas all round!
Hopefully the “bit of a break” (what a coincidence) is one that they wont bother coming back from. Why put your health at risk – if Makkies cant be bothered to serve safe food then I cant be bothered to buy their product.
This is the owner of makkies.
I will be raising a complaint against the echo on their commentary. I close every winter from end of October. The chef /business partner did a runner in August and left me to take it all on by myself. I used the last few months to run at a low level while I got things put in place. We are talking a few pizzas a few evenings a week and some spaghetti. I wanted to keep open for a few locals and friends who have been very supportive. Taking a bit of a break has nothing to do with the report as I planned my closure and holiday months ago. But spin it for effect like they actually had that comment from.me.
It should be shut down as it is a danger to health, the customers could show their concern by never going there again.
Hello
This is the owner of Makkies.
There has always been a allergen notice displayed. A list was not in place but advice always on hand. As I am now undertaking the cooking I am aware of all documentation required which is in place for the upcoming season.
I was well aware of acrylamide as I sweeo the oven constantly and testt the chips and cooking oil. This was a miscommunication
with the inspector.
I do not cook any fish other then fry a few prawns and calamari rings for the pizza
I cook a very small amount of chicken for pizza topping. Cooked first in the oven then when needed further cooked as a pizza topping.
The sink referred to is a small basin easily accessible and not even the main handwashing facility in the kitchen..
Used to have great pizza. Went in after the chef left and it was being run by the owner and the pizza was just not good. Huge difference in the quality and taste of the food. Tried it another night and experienced the same. Such a shame as this was our go to place for good pizza. I hope they get things straightened out and take on a trained cook/chef.
Hello
I am the owner. The chef you refer to was also joint owner but left unexpectedly with his assistant. I Ihave stepped in on my own to keep operations going with just a waiter to assist opening a few evenings while I take on the sole running of Makkies. I have sought training and welcomed the advice of the inspector who said that once documentation in written form is in place the rating will increase. That is not to say i wasnt aware of allergens or hazards.I closed for the winter as it is a seasonal business but took the last couple months to hone my pizza skills for a very limited number of locals and friends. All points raised in the report have been addressed.
I’m tired of reading about yet another food outlet failing abysmally. You should not even think about setting up such an enterprise if you can’t at least get the basics right. Worst case scenario for these outlets is that they poison and kill someone. All because they wanted to cut corners, oh and by the way, ignorance is not a defence. I hope they lose all their customers.
Hello
This is the owner of Makkies
Just for your information the inspector who has been advising me and guiding me through the documentation required has every confidence in me achieving a good rating. Not bad for someone dumped in at the deep end. So glad I have supportive friends and loyal customers these past few months.
No wonder we were so ill after we ate here!! The staff and service were as awful as the food……
Here some very good advice never eat a takeaway, it’s all full of fat, don’t be lazy cook at home, as when you all get older the NHS doesn’t want your problems, if there is going to be a NHS in a few years time,if there isn’t we be paying to be seen by the doctors and nurses, all because of this scum tory government.