Raw burgers incorrectly stored at Raji's Fast Food, on Lytham Road, South Shore, could have caused potentially lethal cross bacteria contamination, Blackpool magistrates were told.

Health inspectors also found mould on equipment and a gap in the door through which pests such as rats could have crawled.

Owner Zahib Iqbal, 32, of Lytham Road, admitted nine breaches of food hygiene regulations.

Lynda Bennett, prosecuting for Blackpool Council, said health officers carried out a spot inspection at the takeaway at 11.10pm on November 14.

Ms Bennett added: "Raw burgers were found stored above ready-to-eat products providing the potential for cross-contamination of bacteria.

"This can lead to food poisoning and in extreme cases death."

The takeaway also had a gap at the bottom of the door, through which pests could enter.

Tiles were missing and floor surfaces damaged.

There were mouldy seals on fridges and officers found cleaning cloths and light switches were filthy. Vegetables were stored below a damaged ceiling, allowing plaster and debris to fall on to them.

Iqbal told magistrates: "The inspection took place on a busy Friday night.

"Afterwards we had a thorough clean and we replaced a rusty fridge."

He was fined £450 with £296 costs and ordered to pay a £15 victims' charge.