An Indian restaurant in Northwood has received a damning report after an inspector found “mouldy” food in a fridge.  

Shemul, 18 Main Avenue, Moor Park, Northwood, Hertfordshire, HA6 2HJ, was told “major improvement” is necessary and given a 1 out of 5 food hygiene rating.

The inspection, carried out on October 6, said that improvement was necessary in the areas of hygienic food handling and cleanliness and condition of facilities and building.

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And the management of the food safety category was labelled as needing major improvement. 

In the report, seen by the Watford Observer, the inspector outlined that cross contamination was a possibility because the restaurant stored raw meat above ready to eat foods, such as salads, in the fridge.

And the fridge contained “mouldy courgettes,” said the inspector. 

The inspector said that throughout the two-hour inspection they did not “witness any staff member voluntarily wash their hands with soap”.

Food poisoning bacteria were at an increased risk of developing because cooked chicken and other high-risk foods were being kept at room temperature in the cooking area when they must be kept at or below 8C, said the report.

Watford Observer: Shemul restaurant is near Moor Park station.Shemul restaurant is near Moor Park station. (Image: Google Street View)

And cooked rice, which should be held at or above 63C, was being kept in the oven below this temperature, the report included.

The inspector described the only cleaning cloths as “filthy green scouring pads” used to clean all areas of the kitchen including the raw meat prep area and the salad chopping board.

And the sink that was used for washing food was described as “dirty”. 

In a bid to improve the premises, the inspector made several suggestions including food hygiene training for staff members.

The inspector also called for separate fridges to be available, one for raw meat and another for ready to eat foods.

In addition, the restaurant was recommended to keep all areas clean and use single-use cloths wherever possible.

The restaurant’s owner, Mr Choudhury, has been approached for a response.

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