A BUTCHER'S shop has improved its hygiene standards, going from one star to four stars in its food hygiene rating after a revisit by inspectors.

Erdem Food Centre is a supermarket and butchers on Cowley Road in Oxford.

On April 7, the supermarket was revisited by food hygiene inspectors from Oxford City Council and given a ‘good’ rating of four stars out of five possible stars.

Previously the store had an unannounced visit from the Oxford City Council food hygiene inspectors on December 3, 2020. After this visit the shop was given a score of one, meaning that major improvement was necessary.

The full food hygiene report from Oxford City Council, revealed that the butchers was criticised for the storage of raw meat.

There were also concerns over a broken thermometer and poor hand washing facilities.

Some ceiling tiles were not fully in place and concerns were raised that this could allow pests to enter.

On the inspection it was reported that there was little confidence in the management of the butchers. It was stated that manuals and paperwork were in use, however, the supervisor at the time of the visit was not aware of this pack or its location.

However, since December the shop owner has transformed the Erdem Food Centre.

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Aamir Shahzar, manager of Erdem Food Centre, said that since the initial inspection in December he had been revisited by food hygiene inspectors and the store had taken on board the criticisms.

He explained that the one-star rating did affect his business, but he is thrilled to now have four stars.

Mr Shahzar showed the food hygiene inspectors from the council the areas which previously needed improvement and inspectors were ‘fully satisfied’.

These areas included the freezer where the meat is stored, hand washing facilities and the rear yard of the supermarket which were all highlighted previously as areas that needed improvement.

Mr Shahzar said: “Now everything is perfect, the butcher’s section is all clean. The hygiene inspector revisited and inspected the whole area and said everything is perfect and clean.”

He added: “He was really happy and that is why he gave us four stars.”

The supermarket and butchers also has some positive Google reviews.

One happy customer recently gave the shop five stars and said: “I love Erdem Food Centre. They are always very friendly and helpful. I can find any eastern ingredient I need.

“There are always lots of choices. I strongly recommend Erdem to those who are looking for Pakistani and Turkish ingredients. Please note that space in the shop is a bit limited.”

Another customer gave the supermarket four stars and said: “Went there shopping after our vaccination. They have a lot of good food especially herbs and nuts but also fresh food such as Fruits and meat. Would recommend.”

Another commented: “Lots of lovely Turkish products and Indian spices and sweets. A treasure trove.”

Erdem Food Centre is open every day from 8am to 10pm.