ONLY one Nando's in the country is dirtier than the Cowley Road restaurant, a damning hygiene inspection has revealed.

Dirty surfaces, a risk of food poisoning and an infestation of ants around the drinks unit were all criticised as Oxford City Council inspectors awarded it a three-star hygiene rating.

According to the Scores on the Doors website, which collates food hygiene ratings across the country, only the Nando's in Liverpool shopping centre Liverpool ONE – which was given a zero earlier this year – is dirtier than the East Oxford restaurant.

The chain said it had addressed many of the points raised and that a refurbishment in the Autumn should further improve the Cowley Road restaurant.

Council environmental health officers said they were "disappointed" at the low standards of food hygiene they came across at their inspection in July and ordered a number of immediate improvements.

Their report read: "Raw beef meat was in storage on the top shelf of a fridge, with pitta bread underneath.

"Harmful pathogens from raw foods may drip or fall onto items below, resulting in cross contamination that could lead to food poisoning.

"You must ensure that ready to eat foods are always stored separately from hazardous raw food items."

The restaurant scored 'Fair' when it came to Food Hygiene and Safety despite a number despite a number of problems.

It had the same score for 'Structural Compliance' although inspectors took issue with the "dirty" nature of the building.

The report read: "A common black ant infestation was seen in the area where the soft drink syrup unit is kept in the staff office.

"At the time of inspection I saw no evidence of food contamination which could give rise to imminent risk.

"All pest activity and infestation must be appropriately treated and eradicated as soon as possible."

The Nando's in the Tandem Centre in Colliers Wood, South London also received three stars but all other Nando's in the country currently have scores of four or five stars.

The word 'dirty' was mentioned six times in the report to describe floor surfaces, hand contact surfaces, ceilings, doors and the delivery area.

Excessive accumulation of rubbish and poor lighting were also criticised.

Staff working at the restaurant were also instructed to complete food hygiene training courses and the council asked Nando's to forward its refurbishment plans to the council to review.

Nando's spokeswoman, Kezia Anim-Addo, said: "We take hygiene extremely seriously at Nando's.

"Our Cowley Road restaurant, in this instance, has quickly addressed many of the points raised in the report.

"The restaurant will also be undergoing a planned refurbishment in the Autumn, to make further improvements to the building and decor."