A restaurant in “urgent” need of improvement has failed to shake its poor hygiene rating following its third inspection.

African Canteen in Ferry Lane, Rainham, which was called into question over its lack of regular hand-washing and dirty surfaces, received a food hygiene rating of zero out of five in September.

Follow-up inspections in October and on December 2 have not prompted the food outlet to improve its hygiene standards.

The initial inspection also found that African Canteen did not keep temperature records, its staff did not wear over-clothing – such as aprons – and its floor and walls were unsuitable for food preparation areas.

Inspectors also found deteriorated chopping boards, dirty equipment, a dirty fridge door handle and extractor fan, and no refuse containers on site.

The African Canteen did not have any soap or drying facilities when inspectors found a wash basin full of pans.

The findings also highlighted staff training as “inadequate”.

Regulatory services cabinet member Cllr Osman Dervish said: “Business managers are responsible for making sure that their premises comply with the law and that their staff are trained in food safety.”

He added: “We carry out regular checks on food outlets in the Borough and investigate any issues that arise. If we find that a business is not following the rules we will take firm and appropriate action.”

Havering Council provides advice to businesses given a rating of two or lower to ensure public risk is controlled.

A council statement read: “If premises aren’t improved, the council can issue formal warnings – prosecution can be a result of not complying with those formal warnings or finding non-compliance at the time of a visit that is serious.”

“Closing premises can be done by serving a hygiene emergency prohibition notice – requirement for closure is that the risk to health is imminent.”

Council action has been deferred for three weeks after the last inspection date as the landlord has required the business to vacate.