Squirming maggots discovered in ‘very dirty’ pizza takeaway
A Merseyside pizza takeaway was handed the lowest possible food hygiene score after council inspectors witnessed live maggots making their way into the kitchen during a visit in August.
Dino’s Pizzeria in New Ferry received a zero rating from Wirral Council, with officials observing two maggots crawling through an open rear entrance into the food preparation area.
A third maggot was discovered inside a pan kept in the washing-up room.
The inspection report, obtained through a Freedom of Information request by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, revealed the establishment failed across all assessment categories.
Dino’s Pizzeria in New Ferry received a zero rating from Wirral Council
|
Inspectors documented casings from maggots along with dead specimens scattered across the washing-up room floor, concentrated particularly near the rear doorframe.
The council’s report warned: “Flies and maggots can carry harmful bacterial which may contaminate food and equipment that they come into contact with.
“You must therefore take immediate action to eradicate the issue.”
Officials noted the complete absence of soap for handwashing at the premises.
Inspectors documented casings from maggots along with dead specimens scattered across the washing-up room floor
|
WIRRAL COUNCIL
Grease had accumulated extensively throughout the establishment, coating the extraction system, the ceiling above the pizza oven, and wall-floor junctions across the building.
Equipment was similarly neglected, with inspectors finding a can opener blade caked in old food residue.
The takeaway received the worst possible scores across all three assessment areas: hygienic food handling, structural compliance, and confidence in management.
Inspectors criticised the lack of food safety knowledge among employees and determined insufficient measures had been taken to ensure food remained uncontaminated.
LIVERPOOL – READ THE LATEST:
Officials noted the complete absence of soap for handwashing at the premises
|
WIRRAL COUNCIL
Wirral Council ordered the business to undertake a comprehensive deep clean to eliminate the maggot infestation and remove any potential food sources attracting flies.
Additional requirements included blocking off entry points that could allow pests access, thoroughly disinfecting all surfaces and kitchen equipment, and engaging professional pest control services.
Waste oil stored in uncovered containers in the yard was also flagged as a concern.
When a business receives a zero rating, they are typically ordered to take immediate action to address the food safety failings identified by inspectors.
The local council may issue an improvement notice, restrict certain activities, or, in serious cases, order a temporary closure.
A follow-up inspection is expected, with failure to comply risking prosecution, while the business can apply for a re-inspection once improvements are made to secure a higher food hygiene rating.
The latest figures for England, Wales and Northern Ireland show around 469 food businesses received a zero rating in 2025.
London boroughs stand out nationally as the worst-performing areas for zero-star ratings.
Waltham Forest tops the list, with around 97 premises flagged as needing urgent improvements.
