The latest probe into food hygiene standards in Shepway has given two takeaways ratings of just one out of five.

Shepway District Council (SDC) inspectors said major improvements were necessary at the Sunshine Grill in Lower Sandgate Road and the takeaway at the New Delhi takeaway in Sandgate Road, which has since closed.

A risk of cross-contamination between raw meat and salad, an absence of antibacterial spray and a misunderstanding of allergens were flagged up at the Sunshine Grill by inspectors in September.

A complaint about “unsatisfactory cleanliness” triggered an inspection at the New Delhi, resulting in criticism over a cook’s personal hygiene, lack of cleanliness in the kitchen and a misunderstanding of allergens.

Commenting on the Sunshine Grill, inspectors said raw kebabs taken from the refrigerator were carried over salad ingredients, “posing a risk of potential cross- contamination from the juices of the raw meat dripping onto the salad.” The inspector commented: “I asked what antibacterial spray you use and you did not have any on the premises.

“One of your staff went to buy some from the shop around the corner during my visit.”

The report added that staff were selling bread containing gluten as gluten free and “it was clear staff were not aware of the 14 allergens”.

SDC ordered the takeaway to follow a four-point plan to improve standards, including staff and allergen retraining and ensuring cleaning chemicals are on site.

Criticisms of the New Delhi centred around the chef wearing incorrect clothing and large bracelets on both arms while preparing raw and ready-to-eat foods.

Two plastic containers of open food were found cooling on the floor at the rear door and colour- coded chopping boards were used incorrectly, triggering a risk of contamination.

And after a number of areas were found to be unclean –- food containers, walls, the floor and under the sink for example – inspectors ordered a deep clean of the kitchen.

The takeaway’s closure last month was not linked to the poor hygiene rating, an SDC spokesman said.

It comes after the Cheriton Balti and Tandoori takeaway in Cheriton High Street, was ordered to improve its food handling procedures after an inspection in March and warned that major changes were needed to the cleanliness and condition of its facilities and management of food safety.

It was one of 10 restaurants, takeaways and newsagents across the county scoring zero – meaning there were serious concerns about the food safety and cleanliness and urgent improvement was necessary.