Ipswich Poundworld gets one-star food hygiene rating over dirty storage concerns

A discount store in Ipswich which is part of a national chain has been given a one-star food hygiene rating in its latest inspection.

The Poundworld store in Tavern Street was inspected last month by Ipswich Borough Council officers, where the storage areas and paperwork were not found to be adequate.

The borough council’s report said: “The storage areas and rear access areas are disorganised, cluttered and dirty and could provide harbourage for vermin. The entire back of shop area must be suitably tidied and cleaned, removing all items not used in the business. The area must be able to be inspected easily for evidence of pests.

“There are several areas of damaged wall covering in the rear and upper floor areas. These must be suitably repaired to allow the walls to be easily cleaned and prevent any potential harbourage for vermin.”

While deemed able to facilitate vermin, a borough council spokesman said none had actually been seen during the visit.

The report added that the food management safety documents which must be available for inspection could not be found.

The store can apply for a re-inspection once the improvements have been completed, but the earliest it can take place is three months after the original inspection.

A Poundworld spokesman said: “At Poundworld, the health and safety of our customers and employees is very important to us. We’re working to address concerns that were highlighted by the FSA following their recent visit to our store in Ipswich.”

The store opened in the former River Island outlet in October last year.