Texas Pizza, in Wick Parade, Littlehampton, was rated zero out of six for food hygiene after an inspection on January 23, 2025.
The rating, the lowest possible, indicates that “urgent improvement is required.”
A Freedom of Information request submitted by The Argus has revealed the full details of the inspection report.
Hygiene inspectors found mouse faeces, raw meat kept in fridges at 12.8°C, and no evidence of employees washing their hands.
The report stated: “Raw meat (chicken skewers and unlabelled raw meat in white plastic bags) was being stored above and adjacent to ready-to-eat foods in the walk-in freezer.
“This practice may lead to contamination of ready-to-eat foods from dripping blood and juices contaminated with food poisoning bacteria.”
Inspectors noted fridges above acceptable temperatures, writing: “High-risk food, including breaded chicken fillets, were being stored in the display chiller at 9.5°C, and had been in the chiller at that temperature for 2-3 days.
“Raw chicken skewers and raw burger patties were noted in the display chiller at temperatures of 12.6°C and 12.8°C respectively.
“Storage temperatures above 8°C will permit the growth of food poisoning bacteria and moulds, and will lead to deterioration in food quality.”
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Inspectors also found that food handlers did not wash their hands during the inspection, and discovered mouse droppings in the premises.
“Mouse faeces in the rear preparation room provided evidence that this area of the premises was infested by mice”, they wrote.
“The faeces were dried and old. However, this is not acceptable in a food premises.”
The walk-in freezer door was broken and had to be held closed by a tin of oil, and the toilet window had been smashed and was boarded up.
The general standard of hygiene was described as “poor throughout”, with the pizza dough mixer visibly dirty with accumulations of old dough in the bowl.
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The Food Standards Agency said: “Businesses which are given low ratings must make urgent or major improvements to hygiene standards.
“The local authority food safety officer has several enforcement options available, as well as giving advice and guidance to make sure these improvements are made.
“If the officer finds that a business’s hygiene standards are very poor and there is an imminent risk to public health, when food may be unsafe to eat, the officer must act to ensure consumers are protected.
“This could result in stopping part of the business or closing it down completely until it is safe to recommence.”
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