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A factory that produces popular snack Hula Hoops is being probed over hygiene concerns.

Big name supermarkets Aldi, M&S and Sainsbury's launched snap inspections following claims that the factory was "filthy" and working conditions were poor.

Based in Ashby, just outside of South Derbyshire, the KP Snacks plant makes the crisps 24 hours a day and also produces own-brand versions for Sainsbury's, Aldi and M&S.

Leicestershire Live reports that despite a £30 million installation of new machinery, supermarkets were left unsure about the factory's cleanliness.

A inside source spoke to the Daily Star and claimed that floors, walls and machines are covered in black dust and the factory is filthy.

The whistleblower also claimed that the factory working conditions are poor, with the temperature reaching 35C.

Following site visits it is understood M&S raised some minor hygiene issues, while Aldi found two faults. One of these was around the fryer.

An Aldi spokesman said they were looking into the claims "as a matter of urgency".

(Image: Google Maps)

They added: "We require all suppliers to operate to the highest possible standards and are disappointed to learn of these allegations."

M&S said: "Food hygiene is our top priority...and we work closely with our suppliers to ensure our high standards are maintained.

"We are fully investigating this with our supplier."

A Sainsbury’s spokesman said: "We take the safety and quality of our products extremely seriously and are investigating with our supplier."

The source claims that since the allegations were made KP has sent in cleaners to help improve conditions.

A spokesperson for KP said: "We take food safety and hygiene very seriously. Our Ashby factory is regularly audited both internally and by third parties to the British Retail Consortium food safety standard and our customers.

"All of these audits are always unannounced and have not identified any major issues.

"The production lines are shut down weekly for an eight to 10-hour deep clean and there is a clean-as-you-go policy to address spillages.

"We have internal processes to enable colleagues to raise concerns, including an anonymous whistleblowing hotline. We are carrying out a thorough investigation as a result of the issues raised by this individual.

"Last week we hosted two separate audits by our retail customers at our Ashby site and neither of them raised any major issues or concerns.

"Both customers are happy for us to continue to manufacture their products."