A waffle business was told to make urgent improvement after cockroaches, dead flies, rancid eggs, and dirty conditions were found by inspectors. The conditions led to the worst possible food hygiene rating of zero.

Mr Waffle at 31 Grange Road West in Birkenhead was inspected by Wirral Council on October 23, 29, and 31 in 2025. Following this inspection, it was given the worst possible scores in hygiene and safety, cleaning, as well as confidence in management with the business being told urgent improvement was necessary.

Sarmad Abdulazeez, director of Mr Waffle Milkshakes Ltd, said they had made the required improvements since the inspection and there would be a revisit in the coming week.

A report, obtained through a Freedom of Information request, reveals local authority food hygiene inspectors found evidence of cockroaches both live and dead. This “live infestation” was “found throughout your business at the time of the inspection which presented a significant risk of contamination of food and equipment.”

The business was told it needed to take a number of steps to eradicate the pests from the premises as well as how to properly clean and disinfect the premises. This is after “dirty conditions were found”.

A voluntary prohibition notice dated October 23 said: “A dead cockroach was found next to food packaging which was open on shelving and intended to be used for ready to eat popcorn. These conditions, as well as poor standards of cleaning and poor management of the pest activity at the premises, presents an imminent risk of injury to health.”

The food hygiene report said “Thorough cleaning is required to the slush machine in the front shop area as this equipment was in a dirty condition. Deep cleaning is required, particularly to the nozzle due to dirt/residues and the drip trays due to dead flies.”

As well as the cockroaches and dead flies, officers also found “a container of rancid eggs in the cupboard in the small kitchen area to the rear of the premises which were emitting a foul smell.” These were later disposed of.

The waffle business was also told to remove carpets as well as ensure bare wood in the front counter area was properly sealed. Repairs also needed to be made to the floor covering in the kitchen area to the back.

Inspectors also said boxes and items at the back of the premises needed to be kept clear so thorough pest checks could be carried out. They also criticised the business for not following its procedures when it came to pest control, cleaning, and maintenance.

Mr Waffle is operated by Mr Waffle Milkshakes Ltd. According to Companies House, there was an application to strike the company off in December 2025 but this voluntary action was later suspended.