A INDIAN takeaway which was forced to close following a routine inspection remains shut four weeks on.

Denbighshire County Council carried out an unannounced inspection of the Imon Tandoori, on 42 Queen Street, Rhyl, on August 20 at 4.30pm. A single cockroach was seen. A food inspection report revealed there was in fact an "infestation of cockroaches" in the kitchen and service area.

Owners were served with a remedial action notice - to stop the operation completely - and to contact a pest control service.

The Food Inspection Report, obtained through a Freedom of Information request from the Journal, revealed the takeaway gained a zero food hygiene star rating - meaning 'urgent improvement necessary'.

The report, which looked at kitchen and food Storage areas, noted: "There was no hot water supply to the wash hand basin or equipment sink at the premises [on arrival] at 4.30pm.

"The wash hand basin and surrounding area were not clean.

"Dirty wiping cloths were used to clean down and mop up spillages.

"It was noted that the wash hand basin was not in regular use. The same utensils and equipment are being used for both raw and RTE [ready to eat) foods. They should be heat disinfected or put through an adequate dishwasher cycle between uses.

"During the inspection a single immature cockroach was seen in the food preparation area. Further investigation from a Pest Control Contractor has identified an infestation of cockroaches in the kitchen and service area.

"The standard of cleaning to the structure of the kitchen and store rooms including the work surfaces was generally poor."

Concerns were raised in the report that practices, seen during the inspection, together with the lack of staff awareness of food safety systems, indicate a lack of management controls over food operations in the business.

As a priority, the takeaway has been asked to put controls in place to ensure there is no risk to public safety.

During the visit, Imon Tandoori was unable to demonstrate they had a system in place or procedure whereby they could identify the source of their products within a reasonable time. Food hygiene awareness amongst staff was described as inadequate.

A spokesperson for Denbighshire County Council said: "The notice [remedial action notice] served required the owner to contact a pest control service to identify the extent of the problem and to undertake treatment where necessary."

The spokesperson added the establishment was still closed for business.

A number of recommendations relating to 'good practice' were put forward to the takeaway. These included probing, on an occasional basis, high risk foods which needed cooking through to the centre and checking probe thermometers regularly for accuracy.

The takeaway have been asked to take appropriate action in order to eliminate "pests".