A popular Isle of Wight Chinese takeaway was found to be at risk of attracting pests, by inspectors who also found dirty protective clothing and a poor standard of hygiene. The businesses says improvements have been made.

Ko-Sing, on Sandown Road, in Lake, was inspected by the Isle of Wight Council, in November.

The environmental health team issued a one-star rating — which means 'major improvement' is necessary.

Today (Friday), a spokesperson for Ko-Sing said improvements had been made following the visit and a re-inspection is awaited.

In the recently published report, inspectors found vegetation and fallen apples on the floor, in a bin area outside and feared it would attract rats and mice.

Redundant equipment in the waste storage bin area meant rats and mice could harbour there without being detected, they said.

The general standard of hygiene was poor, in particular: Storage bins for flour, sugar and salt; the takeaway's floor; the handles of fridges and freezers and dry store.

Inspectors saw dirty cloths left on work surfaces, which were used to wipe surfaces and boards.

Staff were also wearing dirty protective clothing and a pile of dirty aprons were found in a box in the dry food store.

Staff who were handling open, high-risk foods were not provided with suitable protective over-clothing, inspectors said, warning dirty clothing may harbour bacteria which could be transferred to food.

There was also a risk of accidental cross-contamination of allergens, as celery was stored alongside other foods on a worktop and not sealed in an airtight container.

Inspectors also noted open sauce containers and defrosting meat on the floor of a rear store room, as well as uncovered containers and bags of food in the fridges and freezers, presenting a risk of physical contamination.

Equipment and utensils were not being sanitised properly because the detergent being used was not designed to kill bacteria.

No documentation had been completed to confirm necessary temperature checks on food and there was no evidence of opening and closing checks.

It was also recommended fly screens be added to windows used for ventilation, and personal food be stored in a different area.