Cockroaches and out-of-date food were found inside a Coventry Post Office with a one-star hygiene rating. Inspectors deemed the major infestation an 'imminent risk to health' after warnings were allegedly ignored.

Officials from the Coventry City Council Food and Safety Team inspected Walsgrave Road Post Office on January 12. Improvements were needed in food hygiene and safety procedures after a number of cockroaches were found.

Inspectors said a pest control contractor raised concerns in November last year and advised that action was required. However, the issue was not addressed at any stage.

Food and Safety Team

Several food items were also found to be past their use-by dates, with some dating back nearly two months, according to Coventry City Council. Staff were told to implement regular checks so that stock is reviewed daily and any out-of-date food is disposed of.

Use-by dates indicate the time limit set by manufacturers for when food remains safe to eat and they must be followed. Food sold beyond this point may be of poor quality and selling it after expiry is illegal and contrary to regulations.

Inspectors found that the handwashing basin in the staff toilet was 'dirty' and needed to be thoroughly cleaned. Cockroaches were found in storage and retail areas carrying food-poisoning bacteria and were deemed an 'imminent health risk' by Coventry City Council.

Coventry City Council Staff

Dead insects were found on a chest freezer at the rear of the building, alongside excessive clutter that made cleaning 'difficult' and provided harbourage for pests. Food and other items had been stored on the ground, posing a trip hazard.

Dirt had also accumulated beneath and behind the shelves, providing a food source for pests. Bosses agreed to voluntarily stop selling food and drink until the infestation was brought under control to prevent cockroaches from entering and contaminating food.

A spokesman for Coventry City Council said: "All businesses that sell food in Coventry are inspected by Coventry City Council. We have continued to work with the business to ensure that food safety laws are met, improvements are made, and the outlet is safe."

Coventry City Council

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All businesses that sell food in Coventry are inspected by Coventry City Council. We have continued to work with the business to ensure that food safety laws are met, improvements are made, and the outlet is safe.

The wider picture

Costs, supply and public patience all move at different speeds, and the friction between them is where most food-industry stories actually begin.

What to remember

  • Cockroaches and out-of-date food were found inside a Coventry Post Office with a one-star hygiene rating
  • Inspectors said a pest control contractor raised concerns in November last year and advised that action was required
  • Several food items were also found to be past their use-by dates, with some dating back nearly two months, according to Coventry City Council
  • Use-by dates indicate the time limit set by manufacturers for when food remains safe to eat and they must be followed
  • Inspectors found that the handwashing basin in the staff toilet was 'dirty' and needed to be thoroughly cleaned

All told

Every change in the food industry eventually reaches the same test, which is whether people keep choosing it once the novelty has worn off.