A Watford off licence was caught storing high-risk foods above the required temperature, a food hygiene report has revealed.

In the full inspection for Who’s Next in Langley Road, released this week, the assessor also wrote: “You Mr Singh [the owner] told me you did not know what the legal requirements are for a food business.

“Your employees also confirmed they did not know about cleaning and temperature control.”

The store was given a 1/5 score, which means “major improvement” is needed, following an inspection on December 5.

When the rating was first published late last month, owner and manager Meet Singh apologised to customers while insisting “we try our best to keep the shop clean and tidy”.

In the report, inspectors wrote: “The high-risk food in the chilled display was above 8C and above the storage temperature stated by the manufacturer on the packet.

“High-risk food must be stored at the correct temperature to prevent bacteria growth.

“On discussion with Mr Singh, he advised that all food not stored at the correct temperature will be disposed of.”

The business had not been registered with Watford Borough Council, and the owner was told he must have a documented food safety management system.

There were also no paper towels in the toilet, oven trays and tongs were being washed using an outside cold tap, and staff “currently only used Fairy Liquid or glass cleaner for all cleaning activities”.

Watford Observer: Pictures taken during the inspection.Pictures taken during the inspection. (Image: Watford Borough Council)

“You must use disinfectant on all surfaces that come into contact with food,” the inspector wrote.

“All food contact equipment must be washed in hot water with detergent and then disinfected. You do not have an adequate number of sinks to wash equipment.”

Staff were ordered to resolve most of the issues within a month, with the owner and all staff also having to attend Level 1 food hygiene training.

Mr Singh previously told the Watford Observer that staff do their best to keep the shop clean and tidy, always check dates, and ensure "best customer service" is provided.

He added they are "very upset" at the rating, with inspectors highlighting "small things" such as fridge temperature, temperature record books, an oven tray being washed with cold water, and no tissue roll in the toilet.

The fridge has since been repaired and serviced, Mr Singh added.

He declined to comment further following the full report's release.

All places that sell food are assessed by environmental health officers and given a rating of between 0/5 (urgent improvement necessary) and 5/5 (very good). The score is then published on the Food Standards Agency website.