A town centre cafe has received another poor hygiene score after the discovery of a pest infestation and grease dripping down the walls.
Starburger in Week Street, Maidstone, which failed to register itself as a food business, has been given a zero-star rating after a visit from the council’s environmental health team.
The restaurant located between German Doner Kebab and Adam’s Barber’s serves a range of breakfast and lunch dishes, including fry-ups, burgers and sandwiches.
Following its last inspection in 2024, it was given a one-star hygiene rating after extremely mouldy bread was left in stock, cooked meat was held below the legal temperature, and mice droppings were noted under the sink.
But, after another routine visit from a health officer on October 17, it was downgraded further.
Evidence of a pest infection was again discovered with faeces on the floor in the corner of the milkshake area.
A hole in the electrical cupboard, which had not been blocked up, was acknowledged as potentially allowing access to pests.
The standard of cleaning throughout the premises was also described as “poor” by the health officer.
Droppings, dirt and food waste were found cluttered under all equipment and preparation tables, while mould was noted in the drinks fridge, on the back wall and shelf.
Areas around the griddle were dirty – something the officer noted in Starburger’s previous inspection – and grease condensation was dripping down the wall.
In their report, the inspector said: “Food premises must be kept clean. The kitchen needs to be thoroughly cleaned, and where necessary, disinfected.
“Ensure that hard-to-reach areas are not missed during cleaning and that equipment is regularly pulled out.”
During the visit, the hygiene inspector also identified multiple cases of cross-contamination and actual contamination.
Jacket potatoes were found stored on a dirty surface, cartons with raw egg and “faeces” inside were being used as a splash guard next to cooked chips, while further mouse droppings were discovered on a food container.
The report said: “From discussions, it is clear that your staff require food hygiene training.
“Ensure staff have adequate training so that they understand the food safety management system and how to complete the relevant monitoring records.”
As a result of the findings, Starburger was given a zero-star hygiene rating.
Enforcement revisits were to be carried out approximately two months after the inspection to “determine compliance” with the legal requirements raised.
Details of that follow-up visit have not been released, but the report noted that whether improvements had been made or not, the cafe’s zero-star rating would remain.
In their report, the inspector also noted Starburger had not registered itself as a food business, and believed staff had been “obstructing” health officers.
It said: “It seems strange that you would not have details of the owner and that you would work in premises where you do not know who pays your wages.
“In my opinion, you are both fully aware of the ownership and are obstructing officers.
“If you continue to be obstructive, then we will take further action against that individual who continues to obstruct an officer.”
Starburger has been approached for comment several times but had not responded.
