A pub in Freshwater has been given a 1-star food hygiene review — after inspectors found the same problems they did 2 years ago.
Environmental officers from the Isle of Wight Council inspected The Vine Inn in Freshwater, one of Fuller’s chain pubs on the Island, in January 2018 and when they returned 2 years later, in 2020, inspectors said it was ‘disappointing to note’ the same problems were found.
The pub on School Green Road, was also found by inspectors to have an issue with stock rotation — numerous sauces had a use-by date of September 2019, raw gammon stakes had started to oxidize and coleslaw, chicken curry and cooked rice had to be used at least four days before the inspection.
A system of stock rotation had been put in place but it had not been adhered to.
The general standard of hygiene was judged to be fair but food debris was found in the metal shelving beneath the food preperation surfaces, which stored the clean crockery.
The seal to the fridge and freezers had food in them and the microwave oven, particularly the handle and control panel, was dirty.
Inspectors found at the time of the visit, the food premises registration had not been completed or submitted. Anyone who supplies food regularly must register their business at least 28 days before they open.
Inspectors also found floor covering was torn and acting as a trap for dirt and food — in its current state inspectors said it was ‘not suitable for use in a room where food is prepared, treated or processed’.
In the fridge, there were a number of uncovered raw burgers ‘stored directly on the shelf’ which may have led to contamination.
Commenting on the rating at The Vine, a spokesperson for Fuller, Smith & Turner, said:
“While we are always disappointed with low food scores, our tenants have already addressed the issues raised.
“The local authority will be re-attending shortly and we hope the pub will get an early reassessment.
“We are all aware of the importance of a good food hygiene score and are confident the pub will be proudly displaying one in the near future.”
Yet again foolish, greedy, or slack hygiene at a time when pubs and food outlets need all the customers they can get.
As the virus will cause visitor numbers to plunge this year, one would assume that such food outlets would ensure that their hygiene was 100%. As members of the public will rightly ask, if their food hygiene is ‘questionable’ will their staff observe any strict hand washing and additional cleaning practices as the virus rips through the community?
Imo, eat at home, stock up on food now, just in case, as at best you will have a bulging cupboard, at worst you will be protected if we are locked in our homes for a month or more.
That’s Another place I wont be visiting
Lazy owners no respect for the public