An environmental health officer discovered a cockroach infestation, a leaky kitchen roof, and unsafe food-storage practices while inspecting two town-centre businesses.

Aidan Wood inspected the High Street takeaway Flame Grill and MM Cash and Carry in New Rents, Ashford, in November and December respectively.

He gave each business a zero on the Food Standards Agency ratings, which means they required urgent improvement if they were to be deemed safe.

He served an emergency prohibition notice by hand to the owners of the cash and carry after his inspection on December 1.

He said the notice was “hand served on food business operator” due to “an active cockroach infestation at the premises posing an imminent risk to health”.

His report continued: “Whilst no cockroaches were found in or on the food, the infestation was such that it would allow potential contamination of food and equipment.”

He wrote that the shop would be closed until allowed to re-open by an appropriate, authorised officer. The store is believed to have reopened on Friday December 5.

At Flame Grill, he criticised the “very poor standards overall”, and noted that there was “major damage to the kitchen ceiling with leaking water on to the kitchen floor”.

He warned the owners: “This must be repaired as a matter of priority. If not, further legal action may be required.”

Mr Wood also said he found out-of-date food, as well as food opened without any labelling indicating when it was due to expire.

He also found raw foods being stored next to and above ready-to-eat food, as well as cooked fried chicken being kept at a temperature of between 43C and 50C when a minimum of 63C is required to prevent risks of food poisoning such as salmonella.

He said staff showed “poor knowledge of food safety”, adding: “There was no form of food-safety documentation.”

There were four restaurants that were given a rating of one last year, which means major improvements are needed, but the vast majority of Ashford’s businesses scored a rating of either four or five.

Flame Grill and MM Cash and Carry were contacted for a comment about the findings, but neither has so far responded.