The ‘home of all things chilli’ has been served up a fiery 1-star food hygiene rating after an inspection revealed serious food hygiene failings, including evidence of rodent infestation and mislabelled products.
An inspection, which took place on 3rd June, found the establishment in need of ‘major improvement ‘, so much so that officers halted the inspection after finding what they described as ” areas of serious non-compliance” that presented a high risk to public health.
Following the inspection, House of Chilli voluntarily ceased trading; however, it reopened just 11 days later after the company took to social media saying:
“Hey hey folks, you may notice everything has disappeared from the online shop – don’t panic! We are just doing a little rejigging and beautifying – we’ll have everything back up as soon as we can!”
During the inspection, officers from the Isle of Wight Council found evidence of a rodent infestation where food was stored and prepared as well as inadequate hand washing facilities and inaccurate allergen labelling.
The business agreed to voluntarily cease preparing and selling food until the health risks had been removed and the premises had been approved to reopen by the Isle of Wight Council.
Inspectors also determined that the premises lacked adequate facilities to ensure effective cleaning and sanitisation. The only source of hot water was an electric kettle capable of producing enough water for a single cup at a time, while sanitising wipes were being used in place of appropriate cleaning arrangements.
The council said this combination was insufficient to adequately clean and sanitise areas that rodents had accessed.
As well as evidence of a rodent infestation, officers found that some pre-packed products did not contain complete ingredient lists, with at least one sauce failing to declare barley despite the ingredient being included in the manufacturer’s specification.
These products included the House of Chilli – Naga Chilli and Vodka Sauce in which Barley was not included on the ingredients list as well as House of Chilli – Sundried Tomato Spicy Ketchup which contained Celery and Mustard were not included.
As part of the voluntary closure, the business was instructed to eliminate the rodent infestation, thoroughly clean and disinfect the premises and demonstrate that the immediate health risks had been removed before reopening. although a separate inspection report identified a number of additional breaches of food hygiene and food information legislation.
These included the absence of suitable hot and cold running water at the hand wash basin, inadequate traceability records for some food ingredients, missing allergen information for loose foods, incomplete mandatory food labelling, missing business address details on packaging, inadequate storage instructions, absent nutritional information and potentially misleading product descriptions.
Inspectors also questioned the use of “Isle of Wight” branding on some products after being advised that certain ingredients were not sourced from the Island.
The council said these additional matters did not present an immediate risk to health but would be addressed through further enforcement action.
In its letter, the council also reserved the right to consider additional enforcement options under its Enforcement Policy despite the business agreeing to close voluntarily.
The premises cannot reopen until an authorised officer confirms in writing that the necessary steps have been taken to remove the health risk.
Time to get a cat, I think!
Another island filth hole, the list is never ending
SHOCKING!
Minimum 4 star for me otherwise I avoid them
like the plague.
There are NO excuses, businesses and people have
learnt fcuk all since the pandemic.
If I had a pound everytime a dirty b’stard don’t wash
their hands when going to the toilet I would be a
millionaire by christmas.
Ho Ho Ho you filthy animals!
Good job they have closed their doors. Total disregard of regulations
Bit different from the March 2024 news article in another “Isle of Wight News publication” announcing its reopening!
If all places were inspected it makes one wonder
how many other filth holes are going unnoticed.
I have seen a lot of establishments with 5 stars on their
doors.
Either Stevie Wonder gave them the 5 stars or they were bribed with
a free meal.
It is shocking.
Majority of eateries employees stand outside their kitchens
smoking, sweat running off them, rubbing their hands through their hair and scratching their ar*es.
I bet they don’t wash their hands when they go back into the kitchen.
PURE FILTH
Be careful when eating out, you might get more than you bargained for.
Serious accusation that, bribing officials of the Council. Trust you have a good lawyer.
Why are so many food establishments “NOT” displaying
their RATINGS on the doors, and yes I do have a good lawyer
Thank you.
Talking of persons turning a blind eye
JUST LOOK AT ALL THE VEHICLES PARKED ON DOUBLE YELLOW LINES AROUND THE ISLAND
REGENT STREET SHANKLIN
SANDOWN ESPLANADE OUTSIDE THE PIER CAFE
PARK ROAD RYDE TO NAME A FEW
I COULD GO ON BUT I DO NOT WANT TO GRIND MY NAILS
DOWN
COUNCIL ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS SEEM TO MISS THOSE
BUT BOOK PERSONS WHO GO A FEW MINUTES OVER THEIR TIME ALONG HIGH STREETS
“FUNNY THAT”
Omg this island is now a dump.
Filthy business ripping off customers.
People will vote with their feet and its your own doing.
I have sure voted with my feet, too many overpriced
Filth holes on this small island.
How long would they have stayed open in a filthy state if the health people hadn’t turned up.These people have total disregard for the public
How many more filth holes are operating out there.
I don’t know how they rate establishments.
I look at personal hygiene too, not only inside the
establishments
Eg filthy workers, so many people have not learnt
since the pandemic germs spread by not washing ones
hands.
Hygiene is imperative.
There is only an handful of places I will eat in
so many businesses with 5 stars employees are
usually standing outside smoking etc
NON SMOKERS DON’T WANT THAT!
Don’t understand how they closed voluntarily and not closed down by the inspectors if the place was found to be a serious health risk.