Papa John’s worker leaks ‘disgusting’ pics of mouldy food in kitchen and rat poison on worktops sparking hygiene probe
PAPA John's has apologised after a former employee leaked "disgusting" images from a filthy kitchen in one of its branches.
Pictures shared by the whistleblower appeared to show rat poison on worktops, mould growing on food, and piles of rubbish on the floor and in a lift.
The former employee told that the hygiene in the store was "absolutely disgusting".
They claimed to have raised concerns including when they discovered a Rokill rodenticide trap on top of a table where food was prepared.
The ex-employee said it was one of many forms of "bad practice" at the store.
"I did remove the rat poison personally so it's not there any more, but it just shows they have no clue about health and safety in there," they said.
Another stomach churning pic shows mould on a pile of cauliflower wings on the "make line" - which the whistleblower said they immediately threw out.
The worker said: "Mouldy food, a broken wonky toilet, piles of rubbish because the company are always late paying their bin removal bills, mould on the ceiling, dirty floors and sinks, it's absolutely disgusting.
"I'm flabbergasted at how it [was] still able to stay open.
"I want people to know the truth and the franchise who own the shop don't deserve people's hard-earned money."
Papa John's said it has temporarily closed the Mutley Plain branch pending an official investigation.
The pizza added that previous issues have been addressed, with new managers in place, and they have requested an additional visit from health inspectors.
A spokesman said: "Food safety and store cleanliness are of the utmost importance to Papa John's.
"Clearly, these examples fall far short of what we require, and we apologise. However, they do not represent the store as it is today.
Most read in News
"Our own regular inspections identified these challenges when the store was under previous management, and prompt action was taken."
The spokesman added: "The store now has new management which has addressed those issues, has asked the Environmental Health Officer to inspect the store.
"And in the meantime has voluntarily closed the store pending an inspection by an external audit provider so that customers can be completely confident that our high standards are being met."
