RAW chicken stored at dangerously high temperatures and incorrect allergy information were found during a routine food hygiene inspection at a Reading dessert restaurant.
A report dated September 7, reveals that Haute Dolci, based at The Oracle, was in a 'poor state of cleanliness and repair', while conditions presented a 'risk to food contamination'.
The findings are set out in a written warning issued by Reading Borough Council after an inspection on September 1.
It had received a zero-star food hygiene rating, but the report provides further details about the issues identified by environmental health officers.
At the time of the inspection, officers said chilled food on the premises was found at temperatures above the required range of 0C to 8C. Cooked chicken was measured at 12.5C, double cream at 11.9C and raw chicken at 26.6C.
The report stated: "Food stored in this manner can support the growth of harmful bacteria and may cause food poisoning."
Raw and ready-to-eat food was also stored together in basement freezers. Inspectors said this created "a significant risk" of cross-contamination.
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The document also raised concerns about staff knowledge of food safety. Employees were said to have been unable to identify "safe methods, critical limits and mitigating actions" for cooking, cooling, reheating, chilled storage, cross-contamination, acrylamide controls and pest control.
Staff were also unable to explain the food industry's 48-hour exclusion rule for sickness. Inspectors found that workers had an inadequate understanding of allergen controls.
Allergen information given for one menu item was also incorrect, according to the report. Staff "could not verbally recall allergens contained within dishes".
Employees were also unable to explain how they would check allergen declarations on product packaging.
Cleanliness problems were recorded across the restaurant. These included dirty food-contact surfaces, food scoops that had been cross-contaminated, and grease and food debris on walls and shelving.
The report said: "Food debris and dirty packing was left on the floor besides the freezers at the time of inspection.
"Food, drink and food packaging were found stored on the floor and on rusty metal shelving. You
must ensure such materials are kept in appropriate conditions designed to prevent harmful deterioration and protect them from contamination."
The inspectors added: "The kitchen walls were deposited with food debris and grease, you must deep clean and regularly. Maintain your walls, floors and ceilings."
The dishwasher was heavily coated with limescale and food residue. Touchpoints around the kitchen were described as "heavily soiled", while grease, food debris and dirt had built up in several areas.
The report also referred to damaged equipment, poor conditions in a basement storage room and an unsecured gas cylinder.
A spokesperson for Haute Dolci said significant improvements had been made since the inspection.
They said: "We are committed to providing our customers with a welcoming environment where food safety, hygiene and wellbeing are always a priority.
"Since the inspection, several positive steps have been taken, with a recent visit recognising significant improvements in both daily and deep cleaning practices, alongside enhanced staff knowledge and understanding of food hygiene requirements.
"We have been informed that all works identified during the audits have now been completed, and the restaurant continues to work constructively with the Environmental Health Officer to ensure the improvements are maintained, and any outstanding concerns are appropriately addressed.
“Our customers place their trust in us, and that is something we greatly value. We remain committed to supporting our franchise partners, working collaboratively with the local authority and ensuring that every guest can continue to enjoy the quality, care and experience they expect from Haute Dolci."
The restaurant has requested a reassessment of the restaurant's food hygiene rating. The spokesperson added that they were confident the necessary measures had been put in place.
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