THIS shocking photo shows the disgusting way two filthy bakeries used a tennis racket to mash potatoes.

Doce Bakers and Sweets Ltd, which shared the same premises in Edmonton, were ordered to pay a total of £152,823.23 for their disgusting hygiene failing.

Enfield Council officers also found an ongoing pest problem and filthy floors and equipment during a routine inspection in January 2016.

When they returned in July of that year, where they found additional contraventions had occurred and the level of cleanliness had declined further.

Sweet Mahal company director Rana Ahmed pleaded guilty to one offence, while Doce Bakers director Nizakat Ali pleaded guilty to two at Highbury Magistrates Court.

The shops were jointly used to manufacture desserts, sweets, bakery goods and samosas.

Enfield Council’s cabinet member for environment, Cllr Daniel Anderson, said: “Enfield Council has a duty to protect our residents and we won’t hesitate to act wherever and whenever necessary to protect them against any risk to their health.

“We take a dim view of any food outlets whose premises aren’t kept in a hygienic state for the manufacture of food.

“Our residents have the right to expect the food they buy to be safe to eat.”

The Food Standards Agency website can advise people on where to eat out or shop for food, and can tell you how seriously a business takes their food hygiene standards.

For more information go to:Visit www.food.gov.uk