Two traders felt the force of the law recently when food hygiene inspections found risks to public health.
- Major rat infestation uncovered during inspection with droppings found in food and packaging
- Rayners Lane business given Emergency Prohibition Order and forced for immediate closure
- Illegally imported meat seized from traders
A severe rat infestation was uncovered by Environmental Health Officers during a routine inspection on a food premise in Rayners Lane Rat droppings were found in food, packaging and surfaces used for food preparation. This alongside a dirty storage. It was enough for officers to call for an immediate closure.
Enforcement activity is ongoing to tackle the businesses failure to comply with food safety regulations. They’ll need to implement and maintain pest control before they open again. They were also ordered to pay £1670 and remain closed until issues are remedied.
In separate cases, working with the Food Standards Agency and Border Force more than 100 kilos of meat were seized and destroyed after officers found they were smoked in a residential garden and sold to restaurants. They also seized 30 kilos of illegally imported pork. Both cases followed no hygiene regulations, did not have the relevant licence, and there was no trace of where the meat came from which could put public health at risk.
Cllr Pritesh Patel, Cabinet Member for Cleaner Streets and Public Protection said:
“Anyone that puts public health at risk will face the full force of law – just as these traders have. While most businesses do comply and follow the rules, it’s concerning that some are operating like this. That’s why we’re putting the pressure on those flouting the rules and will continue to crack down on this sort of behaviour.
“I would like to thank officers for the work carried out to ensure the safety of our residents, and ensuring food operators are complying with food safety laws.”