Chemicals were stored next to food and evidence of mice was discovered at a Caffé Nero in an Oxfordshire town.

The branch of the coffee chain located on Banbury’s High Street was visited by Cherwell District Council’s Environmental Health team on Wednesday, January 3.

Inspectors were unimpressed with the standards at the cafe and handed it a two-out-of-five insisting that improvement was 'necessary'.

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

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Caffe Nero was inspected in January of this year.Caffe Nero was inspected in January of this year. (Image: Google Maps)

One shocking discovery made by inspectors on the day was that there was clear evidence of mice at Banbury’s Caffé Nero.

“The business is aware of ongoing issue with pest activity in service area where food is stored and prepared,” read the report.

“However, the food and food packaging are stored in the way not protected from potential contamination.

“During my visit mouse dropping were found on the shelving behind boxes with food and open food packaging.

“Although the business receives regular pest contractor inspections, the cleaning is important of the pests management and to be able monitor for any new pest activity.

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Evidence of mice was discovered at Caffe Nero (stock photo).Evidence of mice was discovered at Caffe Nero (stock photo). (Image: Unsplash)

“During my visit poor cleaning was noted and number of mouse droppings were found in various areas on the shelves.

“You must provide suitable arrangements to store food and any food packaging and all areas must be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected and monitored for any new pest activity.

“Staff must be trained to be able recognised sign of rodent activities such as droppings and gnawed items.”

Another problem at Caffé Nero which was pointed out was that the business was storing chemicals in close proximity to the food.

“Chemicals were stored next to the food and on the work area, which can lead to potential food contamination,” added the report.

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Caffe Nero was handed a two-out-of-five hygiene rating.Caffe Nero was handed a two-out-of-five hygiene rating. (Image: PA)

“Provide a suitable area to store cleaning and chemicals.”

The inspection then worsened when it was discovered that bins across the business were overflowing with rubbish on the ground.

“All waste containers in the service area were overflowing with waste on the floor around provided bins,” added the report.

“The containers must be emptied regularly to prevent waste accumulation and encouraging pests.

“The floor surface covering walls is lifting from the wall surface, trapping dirt and is unable to be cleaned.

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“Repair damaged area to allow cleaning and prevent accumulation of dirt and debris.

“Dirty disposable cloths were used to wipe surface areas. Using dirty cloths can lead and likely to spread of dirt and bacteria.

“Disposable cloths must be replaced regularly, and at frequency as required to prevent potential contamination during cleaning.”

The Oxford Mail has contacted Caffé Nero for comment in response to the hygiene report.

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