Cockroaches found in takeaway

Researchers found "grimy" conditions at a chip shop

Cockroaches were found at a Manchester takeaway outlet as part of an investigation into food hygiene in the city.

Dirty premises, food stored in the wrong conditions and poorly trained staff, were also highlighted by researchers.

Details of the poor conditions emerged after the team followed environmental health officers on routine checks in the city.

The results were published in Which? magazine on Thursday.

In a kebab shop they found the floor "littered" with dead and dying cockroaches two weeks after a pest control contractor had visited.

And at a fish and chip shop they found the floor dirty with a "build up of food debris and grime".

'Raising standards'

Outlets in London and North Lanarkshire, Scotland, were also investigated by the team.

Toilets at two takeaways had no soap or hand towels, despite staff being expected to use them before preparing and serving food.

Helen Parker, editor of Which?, said: "The investigation supports Which?'s long-running campaign for food premises to be approved by environmental health officers before they open.

"We also think councils should publicise their inspection findings for all food premises.

"This would allow consumers to make informed choices about where to buy and eat food and encourage businesses to raise their standards."