A Croydon halal butchers shop has been told to ensure its meat is from a "reputable supplier" following a dismal hygiene inspection.

South Norwood Halal Butchers & Grocers at 13 High Street, Croydon, was rated 0 for food hygiene cleanliness when inspectors visited in March this year.

Inspectors from Croydon Council, who carry out the checks on behalf of the Food Standards Agency (FSA) 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.

The establishment is then given an overall rating. The butchers shop failed two of the three categories assessed, with its management of food safety requiring "urgent improvement."

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In the detailed report into why the store was given a 0 rating, the inspector wrote: "you must label the bags of fish in the freezer units.

"Provide an appropriate antibacterial spray/sanitiser.

"Ensure your meat is from a reputable supplier.

"Clean under display chiller and floor areas.

"Appropriately separate all ready to eat/cooked food.

"Remove dirty cardboard from behind counter."

A spokesman for the butchers predicted the store wouldn't be rated a 0 for very much longer.

"The builder is currently completing all the necessary works," he said.

"We've done all the paperwork and we’ll be hoping to get re-inspected next week."