A Freshwater food business voluntarily closed during a food hygiene inspection after officers found high-risk foods being stored at unsafe temperatures, resulting in a Food Hygiene Rating of 1 – Major Improvement Necessary.
Environmental Health Officers inspected Duo Baguettes, on Avenue Road, on 15th June this year, where they uncovered a number of significant food safety failings.
The inspection found that high-risk foods, including cooked sausages, ham, chicken tikka and other sandwich fillings, were being stored in display refrigerators at temperatures ranging from 9.8°C to 18°C – well above the legal maximum of 8°C.
Inspectors warned that such temperatures allow food poisoning bacteria to multiply. All affected food was voluntarily disposed of during the visit.
The business also voluntarily closed during the inspection because suitable refrigeration was not available and stock had to be discarded.
Further issues identified included a failure to complete food safety management records since April 2026, despite the legal requirement to maintain daily checks and regular reviews under the Safer Food Better Business system.
Inspectors also found that staff were not disinfecting a temperature probe before and after use, increasing the risk of cross-contamination.
In the freezer, raw sausages were being stored above ready-to-eat baguettes, which officers said presented a contamination risk should the equipment fail or products leak.
Although the overall standard of cleanliness was described as reasonable, inspectors noted old food debris inside a microwave and dirty shelving that required cleaning.
The kitchen handwash basin was also found to be partially obstructed by utensils and contained food debris, preventing it from being used effectively. Hot water at the sink measured 62°C, which inspectors said could discourage proper handwashing and posed a scalding risk.
Inspectors also recommended that the business routinely monitor the core temperature of chilled food using a probe thermometer and aim to keep refrigerated foods at 5°C or below, despite the legal maximum remaining 8°C.
The business had not fallen below a 4 hygiene rating since at least 2012.
Food Rating – Scores on the Doors
Compliance with food hygiene and safety procedures – 20
Compliance with structural requirements – 10
Confidence in management/control procedures – 10
Total score: 50 (1 rating)
Duo Baguettes have been contacted for a statement.
