THE owner of a Turkish restaurant has vowed to make major improvements after it was hit with a one-out-of-five food hygiene rating.
Major concerns have been raised after out-of-date food, issues with cross contamination and a strange “odour” were found at Barru, in Westcliff, during an inspection by Southend Council.
The restaurant, in Hamlet Court Road, was visited on March 24 by an inspector but Ahmed Duran, who took over running the restaurant at the start of the year, has insisted improvements are already being made.
Other issues highlighted by the inspector included a hand wash basin with no running water, areas without access to sanitiser as well as a lack of food allergen training for staff.
The inspector did, however, note that food allergen information is displayed on the menus and that information is given to diners verbally when needed.
Chef Mr Duran took over the running of the popular eatery a “few months ago” and says he is committed to fixing the issues identified by the food hygiene inspector.
Speaking to the Echo, he said: “We are going to sort it out. We are dealing with the issues the council has flagged and we’re hoping the council will visit us again.
“I believe we are on the right path and we’re dealing with a professional hygiene company and the council.”
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He believes many of the issues relating to paperwork and training relate to the previous ownership and he is looking forward to welcoming Southend Council back to the restaurant.
The next inspection will assess if the actions set out by the inspector have been completed to a high enough standard.
The inspector has asked restaurant bosses to implement a documented food safety management system and make hygiene improvements.
Minor repairs are also needed to some of the restaurant’s walls, tiles, and floors, the inspection report added.
Restaurant staff have also been urged to take part in free allergen training which is available on the Food Standards Agency’s website.
A score of one-out-of-five means “major improvement” is necessary.
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