AN OXFORD branch of a bakery with a prestigious history in the county has been criticised by hygiene inspectors for poor hand washing facilities in its staff toilets and the temperature of its sausage rolls.

Nash’s Bakery in Blackbird Leys was visited by Oxford City Council’s health team in January who raised issues with cleanliness, hand washing facilities and the lack of temperature records for food.

The shop was given a two-star rating, meaning ‘improvement necessary'.

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A report produced following the surprise visit stated there was no hot water at the sink in the staff toilet, with the towel provided for drying described as 'not ideal'.

There were also issues raised about temperature control in the cold holding unit, which was found to be ‘generally poor’ with the surface temperature of quiche and salad at 10-12C.

The report criticised staff relying on the digital display of the unit rather than monitoring the food's temperature and urged the business to ensure core temperatures of between 0-8C were maintained.

Records during the January inspection could also only be provided to September 2018.

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The report stated as roasts where being cooked daily: “Checks must be in place to ensure meat is thoroughly cooked to temperatures over 75C.”

Inspectors were so concerned that they gave the business a hygiene improvement notice and revisited last month.

During that visit they found sausage rolls and quiches were still being kept above 8C.

Oxford Mail:

Graham Nash owner of Nash's Bakery in Bicester in 2014. Picture by Damian Halliwell

A fridge in the preparation area was not working at the time of the initial visit and inspectors said this must be repaired or replaced.

Cleanliness was also an issue throughout the bakery with debris found on the window sill, surfaces of water pipes near the sink and inside cupboards.

Paintwork was similarly found to have ‘deteriorated’ and redecoration was recommended.

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Nash’s Bakery was founded by William Nash in Bicester in 1930 and was taken over by his two sons in 1971, winning numerous awards over the years for the quality of its bread.

The business has four other bakeries in the county – one in Oxford' Covered Market, two in Bicester and one in Chipping Norton.

No other shop is rated below four stars, with both of its Bicester bakeries having the top rating. As well as providing a range of breads, cakes and pastries, the family business also offers wholesale delivery.

Nash's Bakery was contacted for comment but did not respond.