Government inspectors have ordered the immediate closure of a Groningen farm which offers residential and day care for people with disabilities because of the abuse meted out to patients.

Staff at the facility are said to have punished one man in their care by smearing peanut butter in his face and letting a dog lick it off. In another case, they put sand in the bed of a man for not doing a good weeding job in the garden.

Staff also humiliated, ridiculed and insulted those in their care, the inspectors said in their report.

The abuse came to light in October last year when witnesses reported it to police. Investigative journalist Alberto Stegeman went undercover at the facility and filmed several instances of ill treatment. That footage will also figure in the case against the six members of staff who were arrested by police.

The inspectors said the facility fell short on 10 of the 11 care criteria. Care organisation officials also failed to give a clear account of the situation at the farm, they said.

The facility must close with immediate effect and new homes are now being sought for patients still living there.