A CHICKEN shop has been allowed to continue cooking burgers in a toaster despite receiving a zero food hygiene.

Inspectors from Cherwell District Council are checking with the toaster's manufacturer as to whether it is appropriate for Chicken Hut in Bicester to use it to cook burgers.

In the meantime, the officers told the restaurant to at least make sure the toaster was "thoroughly" cleaned.

Environmental health officers visited the Sheep Street takeaway, trading under the name Southern Fried Chicken, in July and roasted it by awarding the lowest possible hygiene rating.

The report read: "The Dualit conveyor toaster, which you use to cook beef burgers was also dirty with a significant build up of grease evident on the conveyor part.

"I am seeking the advice of the manufacturer as to the appropriateness of using this piece of equipment to cook beef burgers and also the fire service.

"But in the meantime you must ensure the equipment is thoroughly cleaned and maintained in a clean condition."

Officers also discovered staff were washing their hands from a shower attachment in the same sink used to wash raw chicken – a mistake flagged up in a previous visit in November last year.

The salad preparation area was also home to "food debris and hairs" as management were ordered to make a number of urgent improvements.

In a damning report the town centre takeaway scored 'poor' when it came to Food Hygiene and Safety and Structural Compliance.

It read: "A thorough deep clean is required and all areas must be maintained in a clean condition.

"Due to the extent of the cleaning required at the premises it is unlikely that cleaning products designed for domestic use will be suitable and you will require a commercial grade product."

A vote of no confidence in management was also given after poor practice from a previous inspection in November were still evident.

It read: "It became apparent during the visit that your level of food hygiene awareness was inadequate.

"For example, you still advised that you wash equipment, salad and raw chicken in the same sink and I do not feel the sink is being appropriately sanitised or disinfected between these activities.

"Furthermore, a number of the contraventions detailed in this letter were also brought to your attention following my last routine inspection on November 5, 2015."

Staff were also ordered to undertake a Level 2 Food Safety course run by the council.

Cherwell District Council officer revisited the premises last month but the zero rating remains in place.

Chicken Hut failed to respond to a request for comment.