A shop was told to bring in pest control experts after being given a one-star food hygiene rating.

Inspectors visiting Nasza Biedronka, a Polish-inspired store in Northdown Road, Cliftonville, gave the warning after finding old pest droppings and gnawed materials tucked away in a storage cupboard.

In total, 11 issues were raised by Thanet District Council (TDC) when its environmental health team visited on September 7 and gave the business the second worst possible score.

Bosses were told to tidy up, dispose of contaminated food and bring in pest control.

Other issues included meat being stored at incorrect temperatures and left out in the open without covers while on display.

In their report, inspectors warned: “Do not store food in counters above vents, do not block vents, and regularly check food temperatures as well as display temperatures.”

Hand wash basins were not being supplied with paper towels while sanitisers and disinfectants used for cleaning were not compliant with the appropriate standards.

Damaged work surfaces were also noted while an electric fly killer needed a new bulb to be functional.

The firm was advised to complete and record daily opening and closing checks while also keeping food hygiene training records and having a documented food safety management system.

Inspectors said major improvements were required when it came to the management of food safety.

However, Nasza Biedronka was revisited later that month with several improvements already in place.

“At the time of my inspection the meat in the display chiller is 6.5C which is within legal safe limits,” wrote officers on September 25.

“You have taken the advice of the officer and purchased an independent thermometer and are using this to check the meat temperature. Meat was covered where it had been opened from the original packaging.

“All hand washing basins had a supply of paper towels on the wall in the dispenser as well as soap and hot and cold water.

“The work surface in the rear kitchen which was damaged has been arranged for repair. You have shown me evidence of this and have purchased the laminate for the repair.

“The store cupboard which contains cleaning materials has no signs of pests and there are no visible droppings. You have arranged for pest control to carry out an inspection.”

The fly killer unit was also repaired, with appropriate cleaning products and food management papers in place.

Bosses at the supermarket were unavailable for comment.