Chinese restaurant with smelly chicken and mouse droppings slapped with worst possible food hygiene rating

The Chinese restaurant was slapped with a zero food hygiene rating following an inspection by Wirral Council environmental health officers in September 2025. The business was approached for comment over the report that led to the damning rating.

The full report, released following a Freedom of Information request by the LDRS, said: “There were concerns raised during the inspection regarding adequate stock rotation and shelf life of food.

“There was a container of raw chicken stored in the fridge which was emitting an unpleasant odour at the time of the visit. There was no shelf-life information available for the product, and you were unable to provide these details.

“You provided assurance that the product was still ok to use, however there was no evidence to suggest the use by date or shelf life of the product.”

The report added: “During the visit, the freezers were poorly organised and raw meats/fish were stored in open bags next to cooked meats.” Concerns were also raised about the potential cross contamination risks of not using clearly colour-coded chopping boards.

Some plastic bags in the freezer were found to be in poor condition and ripped. The report also said: “A thorough deep clean is required throughout your premises as very dirty conditions were found throughout.”

The ventilation extraction system was found to be in poor condition with accumulations of grease. The report said: “Work surfaces and equipment in the kitchen were greasy and sticky to touch.”

A box of green peppers was also found with many of them soft and some starting to mould. The business was reminded it needed to make sure out of date food is disposed of.

During the inspection, DIY items such as wooden blocks and screws stored in the kitchen were found which risked contamination while a large wooden paddle used for curries was in poor condition and splintering.

Mouse droppings were also found in a number of areas as well as damp in the walls and ceiling of the staff toilet. Concerns were raised about tin foil being used to cover equipment and the rear door had a number of gaps that could allow pests in.

Off the back of the inspection, officers told the takeaway they should set up a contract with a reputable pest control company, have regular pest control visits throughout the year, that open rodent bait be removed from food preparation and cooking areas, and not refreeze foods after they have defrosted.

Officers said they would respond in six weeks as well as a warning no action could lead to legal action including improvement notices, prohibition notices, and potential prosecution.