The operators of a restaurant which was shut down after a rodent infestation have been convicted in court.

New Shahi Spice, in High Street, Slough, was shut down on 6 February last year after the council obtained a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Order from Slough Magistrates' Court, after finding a series of failures in food safety practices.

The council’s food and safety team brought a prosecution against the company and company director of New Shishi Limited, who were operating the business at the time.

The director Ryhana Akhtar and Pervez Akhtar, the Food Business operator, were held responsible for the conditions found at the time of the inspection.

During the inspection, officers noted offences under the Food Safety and Hygiene (England) Regulations, including:
-    mouse droppings, dirt, grime and debris on numerous surfaces throughout food preparation and storage areas 
-    there was no hot water to the washbasin provided within the food servery area and there was no running cold water to the washbasin in the kitchen
-    the washbasin in the kitchen was not connected to the waste water drainage system, dirty water was being collected in a metal tray on the floor under the washbasin
-    the surfaces of containers used to store dry ingredients were dirty and grimy; the container used to store tomato sauce had sauce encrusted on its internal surfaces and utensils available for use had dried food particles adhering to their surfaces
-    a failure to ensure good order and condition of articles, fittings and equipment with which food comes into contact 
-    open containers of food were stored in the floor directly under shelves which had mouse droppings on them and there were mouse droppings adhering to the surfaces of containers full of food
-    there were mouse droppings adhering to work tables that were being used for the preparation of food
-    there was evidence of mouse activity throughout the establishment. There were mouse droppings noticed under shelving and also directly on shelves where food was being stored, mouse droppings were found adhering to the surface of containers of cooking oil and the surfaces of food preparation tables, mice had chewed boxes containing food packaging
-    no registration form had been submitted to the competent authority for the business.

The prosecution was successful and was heard at Slough Magistrates’ Court on 7 March, where both defendants pleaded guilty.

Offences against New Shahi Limited were dropped as the company was sold and in different ownership.

Mrs Akhtar was fined and charged, totalling £2,050.

Mr Akhtar was fined and charged, totalling £5,000.

Councillor Ishrat Shah, lead member for equalities, public health and public protection, said: “I am pleased our food and safety team was able to bring a prosecution against these two people who had no regard for public safety when operating their business.

“The fines handed out by the court will hopefully act as a deterrent to other food business operators and encourage them to take a good look at how they handle food and to review the condition of their premises.

“The restaurant is now under new ownership and trading by a different name.”