A fried chicken shop in Thamesmead has been told it needs major improvements after dirty re-usable cloths were being used and food handlers were not washing their hands after handling raw food.

Chiva’s Chicken Hut in Harrow Manorway was inspected in February this year and rated one out of a possible five.

Inspectors look at how hygienically food is handled, the condition and cleanliness of the building and how they management ensures food is safe and standards are maintained.

Each area is given a rating between zero - meaning urgent improvement necessary - and five - meaning very good.

Chiva’s Chicken Hut was given an overall score of one meaning that major improvements are necessary.

Inspectors wrote: “Raw chicken/meat was washed during food preparation.

“Dirty reusable cleaning cloths were used.

“Anti-bacterial cleaners were not being used appropriately or effectively.

“Chopping boards, knives, tongs food containers and cling film dispensers used for handling raw meat were stored with equipment used for ready-to-eat food.

“Food handlers were contaminating their hands by handling raw burgers using the paper divider and then not washing their hands. The paper divider does not stop harmful bacteria from getting onto hands.”

“Food handlers were wearing dirty aprons.”

Inspectors also found that there were no towels / soap at the wash hand basin.

Refrigerators, chopping boards and the hot holding cabinets all required a deep clean and disinfection because they were greasy, dirty or sticky.

A spokesman for Chivas Chicken told the News Shopper they are awaiting a inspection and believe they will score higher next time.