Chefs were found to be storing raw chicken next to cooked food during a hygiene inspection at an Oxford noodle bar.

Qin Noodle sits in the heart of the city centre on one of the trendiest roads, Little Clarendon Street.

Despite its brilliant location in Oxford, the eatery was handed a shocking one-out-of-five hygiene rating following an inspection on Wednesday, June 12.

Oxford City Council’s Environmental Health team noted that improvement was “necessary” at the busy eatery.

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The eatery is on Little Clarendon Street, Oxford.The eatery is on Little Clarendon Street, Oxford. (Image: Newsquest)

The Oxford Mail has now obtained a copy of the full report from that inspection following a freedom of information request.

One shocking discovery made by inspectors on the day was that raw food, namely chicken, was being stored incorrectly and causing a cross-contamination risk at Qin Noodle.

“Raw food, (chicken) was stored next to cooked/ready to eat foods, i.e. (dumplings) in the refrigerator,” read the report.

“This may result in cross-contamination. Use separate refrigerators for raw and cooked/ready-to-eat foods.

“Food (beef) was not cooled within 90 minutes but you must ensure you cool foods that are cooked in advance as soon as possible and ideally within 90 minutes.

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The city centre eatery specialises in noodles.The city centre eatery specialises in noodles. (Image: Unsplash)

“They must then be placed in the refrigerator as adequate cooling is essential to prevent spore-forming food-poisoning bacteria from multiplying and making customers ill.

“Uncovered duck was found in the Kenwood freezer when all food should be kept covered when stored in the fridge to prevent any possible risk of contamination.

“Food should be properly wrapped or stored in clean, lidded, washable containers.”

Elsewhere there were structural issues inside the kitchen with inspectors noticing loose plastering around the sink.

“Rear wall in the wash up area had loose plaster but wall surfaces are to be maintained in a sound condition and be easy to clean and, where necessary, to disinfect.

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“This will require the use of impervious, non-absorbent, washable and non-toxic materials.”

Another problem was the storage of belongings and items which also caused a cross-contamination risk at the city centre venue.

“Personal belongings were improperly stored,” added the report.

“To avoid cross contamination, bags and jackets should not be stored on top of food storage bins- jacket hangers must be provided away from food storage and preparation areas.

“The rear area was full of chairs and redundant materials, building materials must be correctly stored and create space in the store room.”

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Raw chicken was being stored incorrectly.Raw chicken was being stored incorrectly. (Image: Pexels)

Following the report, a representative of Oxford City Council told the Oxford Mail that the premises have subsequently been revisited and that standards have improved.

The Oxford Mail has since attempted to contact Qin Noodle for comment.

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