A popular Indian takeaway and restaurant in the Midlands has been handed the worst possible food hygiene rating after inspectors discovered a series of serious safety breaches, including an explosion risk from a faulty oven igniter.
Bombay Bistro Receives Zero Rating
Bombay Bistro on High Street, Ibstock, near Coalville, was awarded a zero out of five hygiene rating by North West Leicestershire District Council food inspectors following an inspection on March 3. Among the most concerning issues was the use of a handheld gas lighter to ignite the tandoori oven because the built-in ignition switch had failed, posing what inspectors described as a "significant risk of explosion or serious burns."
Multiple Hygiene Failures
Throughout the inspection, officials observed staff members eating before returning to handle food without washing their hands. Soap was missing from sinks in both the front and rear kitchen areas. Inspectors also found a "filthy" can-opener blade, dirty aprons, a dirty microwave interior and door handles, and a lidded container used to store lettuce in water that was dirty.
Cross-contamination risks were evident, with raw marinating chicken stored directly on top of cooked rice and raw minced chicken next to ready-to-eat mint yoghurt dressing. Food was kept on the floor, including open containers of peeled onions. A bug zapper was "full of dead insects."
Structural and Equipment Issues
The kitchen had broken and cracked tiles, and chefs had used copper wire to repair a deep-fat fryer basket, posing a risk of wire fragments contaminating food. Staff lacked adequate food safety and allergen training, and one dish had no allergen information despite containing three allergens. The takeaway menu carried no allergen details.
Owner Responds
A representative from Bombay Bistro said the issues had been rectified, with a £12,000 investment in renovations and staff training. He explained that inspectors visited during Ramadan when staff were breaking their fast, leading to the eating incident, and that a miscommunication led to incorrect cleaning demonstrations. He stated that inspectors later returned and were "impressed" by the improvements. "We've never had any complaints from any customers regarding anyone falling ill," he said. "I'm very proud of my business."
