A sweet manufacturer, two restaurants and a butcher have been forced to close after a dead rat, a mouse infestation and flies were found near food.
Unannounced inspections by Ealing Council food safety officers revealed serious risks of food contamination in all four businesses.
The council was awarded legal costs at Ealing Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, August 7 following the emergency closure of Balaji Foods, Bilal Halal Meats, Coco Noodle Bar and Kabul Restaurant and Banqueting.
In each case, officers decided that there was an imminent risk to health and served a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice to close the food businesses immediately. The four businesses remained closed until the risks were removed and improvements were made.
Councillor Julian Bell, leader of Ealing Council, said: “These are some revolting examples of what can happen when businesses do not maintain proper standards of cleanliness which is ultimately their own responsibility. We take food safety very seriously and actively uncover and immediately shut down restaurants and food traders right across the borough who put the public in danger.”
Coco Noodle Bar, a restaurant on Ealing Broadway, was forced to close for a week when officers discovered dirt and rat droppings on surfaces and a dead rodent on the kitchen floor.
Balaji Foods, a small sweet manufacturer trading on Long Drive in Greenford, was temporarily closed due to a poor standard of cleaning and pest control.
Bilal Halal Meat, a halal butchers on Winford Parade in Southall, was temporarily shut down due to a mouse infestation, flies and contaminated food.
Afghan restaurant, Kabul Restaurant and Banqueting, on The Broadway in Southall was closed for two weeks when council officers uncovered a mice infestation as well as dirt and grease throughout the business.
Residents are urged to check the food hygiene rating of local businesses at www.food.gov.uk Anyone concerned that a business is breaching food hygiene regulations should email foodsafety@ealing.gov.uk or call 020 8825 6666.
