A Croydon chicken shop needs ‘major improvement’ after several instances of unhygienic practices were found in a routine inspection on July 29.

A chicken was found defrosting in water next to the sink and the same ‘dirty cloth’ was being used to clean several things.

Favourite Chicken, at 176 Addington Road in Selsdon, which specialises in burgers, fried chicken and chips, has been given a one out of five food hygiene rating due to the high risk of cross-contamination, said inspectors.

At the time of inspection, measures were not in place to check whether the foods on offer were fit for human consumption.

Food was also being incorrectly frozen at the wrong temperature. Foods must be stored at temperatures above -18 degrees, but inspectors found freezers chilling at lower temperatures.

Conversely, food was also being defrosted incorrectly. Across the shop, inspectors found numerous examples of unhygienic cooking practices and inadequate cleaning by staff.

In particular, old chopping boards needed changing immediately out of fear of cross-contamination.

Inspectors also called for staff to stop storing old cardboard boxes on the work surfaces, as there was no guarantee that they could be kept clean.

Food was also being incorrectly frozen at the wrong temperature. Foods must be stored at temperatures above -18 degrees, but inspectors found freezers chilling at lower temperatures.

Conversely, food was also being defrosted incorrectly. Across the shop, inspectors found numerous examples of unhygienic cooking practices and inadequate cleaning by staff. In particular, old chopping boards needed changing immediately out of fear of cross-contamination.

Inspectors also called for staff to stop storing old cardboard boxes on the work surfaces, as there was no guarantee that they could be kept clean.

A further 12 Croydon businesses have a zero rating, which indicates that ‘urgent improvement’ is necessary. Restaurants often close after this rating is given, though it is not a legal requirement.

Favourite Chicken in Selsdon remains open seven days a week at the time of writing and will be subject to follow-up inspections by the council.

They were approached for comment but failed to respond in time for publication.