THE owner of an Oldham grocery store has taken all recommended measures after council officers found a cat on the premises during a food and hygiene inspection.

The council’s environmental health team visited Amar Bazaar, on Lees Street, Oldham on February 10 and told the owner in a written report: “You must not have a cat in the butchers or shop.”

Inspectors proceeded to give the store a one-star rating, meaning major improvements were deemed necessary.

The inspection report added: “Floor needs cleaning it’s dirty especially between the freezers in the shop area.”

An “immediate” and “thorough” clean of the rear areas of the store was also recommended, as well as the removal of any rubbish, and the purchase and use of soap and paper towels.

A one-week deadline was meanwhile given for the “waste” in the yard to be removed.

A spokesperson for the store confirmed “everything” that the officers asked for had been done.

Under the Food Hygiene and Safety category the store was ranked as poor within the inspector’s report indicating some major non-compliance with statutory obligations.

Inspectors meanwhile ranked the Confidence in Management as little, meaning there was a varying record of compliance, a poor appreciation of hazards and no food safety management system.

Structural Compliance was ranked as poor, signalling some major non-compliance with statutory obligations.

Under the 'About Us' section on Google Amar Bazaar is described as a “local grocers”, stocking “everyday essentials” from “fruit, veg and pop”.

The online description adds: “We believe in delivering an exceptional level of customer service every time, ensuring that we help you find what you need.”

The store which is open every day of the week has three Google reviews, including a one-star review and two five-star reviews.

Members of the public can check the hygiene ratings of food businesses on the Food Standards Agency website.