A leisure centre cafe has received a one-star hygiene rating after an inspector found food was being stored at temperatures six degrees above the legal limit.

High-risk products at the eatery in Ashford's Stour Centre – owned by the borough council – had to be thrown away due to the potential growth of bacteria.

Following the visit by an environmental health inspector earlier this year, bosses say all issues were immediately rectified.

Staff at the cafe were found to be unaware of the temperature requirements of high-risk foods.

The display fridges holding sandwiches, paninis, wraps and smoothies were running between 12C to 14C. The legal maximum is 8C.

Employees told the inspector the sandwiches inside one of the fridges had been in there for more than four hours.

All high-risk food was subsequently binned.

“We immediately rectified any issues and will be inviting them back very soon for a reinspection...”

The cafe received a one-star rating, requiring major improvements.

A spokesman for the Stour Centre told KentOnline: “We welcome the advice and guidance provided by Ashford Borough Council.

“Following their visit, we immediately rectified any issues and will be inviting them back very soon for a reinspection and we are confident we will attain an improved star rating as a result.”

The inspector’s report said staff had not been using the diary section of the “safer food, better business” pack since February. This is where information such as fridge and freezer temperatures and opening and closing checks are noted.

They were also unaware of the temperature requirements of high-risk foods and were not physically taking temperature measurements but relying on a display.

Inside the cafe, there was no allergin notice displayed and deliveries were not being checked immediately upon arrival, but the next day.

Cafe workers were subsequently told to ensure deliveries are checked straight away so out-of-date or out-of-temperature goods can be rejected.

This is not the first time the site has fallen under scrutiny.

In January, photos of the soft play area at the centre were shared on social media by parents who raised concerns about its cleanliness after visiting.

Pictures showed rubbish scattered across the floor and tables left uncleared, while one visitor claimed the play area was “caked in dust” and bins were overflowing.

Last year, the site received backlash from swimmers who were furious about half-eaten food and dirty tiles in the pool area.

Bosses spent £7.5m upgrading the Stour Centre in 2021 but visitors said the hygiene issues were putting them off using the facility.

Ashford Borough Council, which owns the centre, added: “Freedom Leisure run the Stour Centre on our behalf – therefore the day-to-day running of the centre, including the café, is Freedom’s responsibility.

“During food hygiene inspections appropriate advice is provided to businesses and we hope to see an improvement following our recent visit and the resulting guidance we gave to Freedom Leisure.”