RAT droppings were found outside a Horsefair takeaway and another has closed after raw meat was found defrosting in a sink.

Both the Tiger Bowl and Oriental Fusion takeaways in the Horsefair area Kidderminster received a ‘one’ food hygiene rating following inspections by Worcestershire Regulatory Services on Thursday, May 16.

During the inspection at the Tiger Bowl, rat droppings were found outside the premises, and inspectors “strongly advised” the business contact a pest control company.

Hygiene officers told the takeaway: “You must tidy and clutter the outside areas including storerooms. Drains are blocked and near to overflowing.

"You should also invest in an appropriate grease trap.”

The business was told to improve its "attention to detail" in cleaning, and highlighted that bottles of antibacterial spray were covered in dust and grease.

Kidderminster Shuttle:

The owner was told to carry out a full risk assessment and to ensure all staff are aware and fully trained.

Concerns regarding cross-contamination of allergens during storage, preparation and cooking were also raised in the report.

Inspectors have since been back to the takeaway, and found "good steady progress" had been made.

A matrix was available for customers to check the allergen content in food and Kidderminster Pest Control had been contacted to carry out a survey of the premises.

Refrigerated food was date-coded and the business had invested in clean sponges and scourers.

The 'one' food hygiene rating remains in place and Tiger Bowl was contacted for comment.

An inspection of Oriental Fusion raised concerns regarding cross-contamination, and the business was told to "cease the practice of defrosting raw meat in the sink".

Kidderminster Shuttle:

The report said: "When foods such as raw chilled meat are delivered this needs to be refrigerated, frozen or prepared or cooked. Cease the practice of storing in the sink.”

Owners were told to ensure food handlers have adequate training and “suitable and clean protective clothing".

They were also told to make sure staff are fully aware and trained regarding allergens.

Officers have reported that the business has subsequently closed with a sign up stating it was "closed due to kitchen refurbishment".

Oriental Fusion has been removed from the Food Standard Hygiene site until the future of the business is known.

Although improvements were required, the closure of Oriental Fusion was not ordered by food officers and was "entirely a business decision", Worcestershire Regulatory Services said.

The Shuttle attempted to contact Oriental Fusion for comment.