Food hygiene inspectors found mouse droppings in the basement, store room and window areas of a Chinese takeaway in Putney.

A Bite of China, in Upper Richmond Road, was given a zero food hygiene rating following an inspection on September 28.

Inspectors rate establishments out of five, from zero – meaning ‘urgent improvement necessary’ – to five, meaning ‘very good’.

Their report says that both the fridge and storage cupboard was dirty and needed cleaning, soap was needed at the wash hand basin, and requirements for disinfection, pest control and food safety management were necessary.

The report states: “Staff must be trained in food safety if they handle open foods and prepare ready-to-eat products.

“Allergen information must be available on all the food you produce and sell.

“There must be 14 allergens that you must be able to notify customers of.”

A Bite of China was told to complete daily checks of chilled storage and dispose of items that have become expired or mouldy, keep raw meat at the bottom of the fridge to prevent contamination and aprons must be worn by the food handler.

Among recommendations made was to refresh the ceiling, dispose of decayed vegetables and install pest control measures.