Rat droppings and dead flies on chocolate flake containers have been uncovered at a popular dessert franchise.

Kaspa’s in the former Wetherspoons building in Sittingbourne High Street has received a one-star hygiene rating.

A routine inspection by the Food Standards Agency in January found the cleanliness and condition of the restaurant needed “major improvement”.

The company says it shut the business “promptly to the public to address and rectify the identified faults comprehensively” and has “received assurances all areas of concern have been thoroughly addressed”.

Kaspa’s is the fourth eatery within a 300m area of the High Street and Bell Road to receive a sub-standard hygiene rating in the last year.

Tacos Locos was forced to shut down after inspectors found an “active and widespread” cockroach infestation which saw the restaurant labelled as a “significant risk to public health”.

The Tex-Mex has since reopened after inspectors found changes had been made.

Indian eatery Lateef received a one-star rating Cockroaches, mould and dirt had been found in its kitchen.

Despite promises by the owner to make improvements, it shut in July. It has since re-opened with a new name and under new management.

Cinar Kitchen closed down a month prior following a one-star rating despite its boss defending the Turkish restaurant.

During the visit to Kaspa’s the inspector found rat droppings in various places around the floor in the rear storeroom with pest control reports identifying rodent activity ongoing for at least the last year.

There was also no hot running water to the wash hand basins and there was no handwash available for adequate cleaning.

Although there was a kettle, washbasins must be provided with hot and cold running water and materials for cleaning hands.

Dirt and debris were found underneath, behind and in between equipment in the preparation and service areas, as well as the rear storage.

One of the freezers was also found to be “sticky and dirty” while the floor in the toilet was flooded.

Spiders and webs were located in the storage areas.

The inspector deemed the “standards of cleaning were inadequate throughout”.

Meanwhile, structural standards were also labelled “extremely poor”.

The flooring throughout the preparation and serving area had been left in disrepair following water damage, having collapsed in places.

A tabletop had been placed over one of the holes to enable it to be walked over.

The inspector found the flooring had not yet collapsed but was fragile and spongy to walk on.

There was damage to the ceilings throughout the storage areas with holes and flaking plasterboard and paint in places.

Despite the issues found, when the inspector reviewed the compliance logbook, they discovered boxes stating the sinks had a hot water supply and the floor surfaces were in good repair and had been ticked since Monday, January 1.

A Kaspa’s spokesman told KentOnline: “We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of food hygiene and safety, and we take this matter seriously.

“Upon discovering that the store did not meet the required health and safety standards, immediate action was taken. The store was promptly closed to the public to address and rectify the identified faults comprehensively.

“Our internal investigation is actively examining the root causes behind this deviation from our standards. Additionally, we engaged in direct communication with the franchisee operator.

“We have received assurances that all areas of concern have been thoroughly addressed, and a follow-up visit from the environmental health officer has confirmed the satisfactory resolution of the issues, we have been told.

“While we regret this isolated incident, we commend our franchise partner for their proactive approach in swiftly addressing the situation. We are committed to perfecting our processes and audits to prevent any such occurrences in the future.

“We remain vigilant in upholding standards and appreciate the ongoing support of our customers and the community.”