In a shocking revelation, a pizza takeaway in Merseyside has been ordered to implement immediate hygiene improvements after inspectors stumbled upon live maggots infesting the premises. Dino's Pizzeria, located in New Ferry, received a dismal zero rating for food hygiene in August 2025, as determined by an inspection conducted by the Wirral Council.
During their visit, inspectors observed two live maggots making their way through the open back door into the kitchen area, while another maggot was discovered in a pan within the washing area. The inspection report highlighted a lack of essential handwashing soap and noted that various sections of the establishment were extremely dirty or showed significant grease accumulation.
The report stated: "Maggot casings and dead maggots were found scattered across the floor of the wash-up room, particularly near the back door frame. Flies and maggots can transmit harmful bacteria, posing a risk of contamination to food and equipment they touch. Therefore, immediate action is imperative to eliminate this problem."
This pizzeria received the lowest possible scores concerning hygiene practices, the physical condition of the establishment, and the management's reliability. The details concerning this alarming assessment were disclosed following a Freedom of Information request made by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, which has since reached out to Dino's Pizzeria for a response.
Additional findings from the inspection included a can opener blade caked in food residue, a filthy microwave, and a temporary absence of hot water. Moreover, the inspection revealed an excessive build-up of grease in the extraction system, with the ceiling above the pizza oven being described as greasy and dirty. Inspectors also noted the presence of grease, debris, and ingrained dirt along the junctions where the walls meet the floor throughout the facility.
In a further disturbing finding, waste oil was discovered in open drums sitting in the yard, and food waste was spotted beneath a yellow wheelie bin. The establishment was criticized for its staff’s inadequate awareness regarding food hygiene and for failing to take necessary precautions to ensure the safety of food.
As a result, the business was instructed to conduct a thorough cleaning to eradicate the maggots and eliminate any potential food sources for flies. Other required actions from the council included sealing off possible entry points for pests, carrying out a comprehensive clean and disinfection of all surfaces and equipment, and hiring pest control services.
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