A BUTCHER’S shop in central Reading has been shut down after inspectors found “immediate risks to health.”
Kenya Meats, on West Street, was subject to a hygiene inspection on Tuesday, February 27, after a member of the public tipped off Reading Borough Council’s environmental health team about evidence of rats at the premises.
The inspection found “extensive” rat activity throughout, including droppings in all of the food handling and storage areas.
It also found that the business had failed to properly register with Environmental Health, as is required by law, after recently changing hands.
Officers determined that some of the products on display on the shop’s shelves were exposed to rat contamination, as were the fresh fruit and vegetables, the meat mincer, and the hand-washing basin.
The affected stock was voluntarily surrendered and disposed of by the business.
Officers judged that there was an “immediate risk” to health and issued a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice, forcing the closure of the shop, and applied to the Magistrates Court to keep the premises closed until the issue had been addressed.
The case came to Reading Magistrates on Friday, March 8, who saw photographic evidence and heard witness statements from officers.
They agreed that an “imminent” risk of injury to health was present as a result of the condition of the shop, saying that the images were “self-explanatory.”
The Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Order was upheld, meaning owners of the shop were ordered to pay £3,020 in monthly installments, beginning in 28 days.
Cllr Ruth McEwan, Lead Councillor for Education and Public Health, said: “I’m sure residents would join me in thanking the Council’s Environmental Health officers for their swift and decisive action following the report of rats from the member of the public to quickly stop the imminent risk to health.
“The decision to take action against a local small business is never taken lightly, however, hygiene standards must always be upheld – particularly in food premises.
“I want to reassure residents that we are constantly inspecting premises to ensure they can be confident the food they buy is safe to eat.”
She added: “I’d also like to thank the member of the public for coming forward to us and prompting this inspection visit.
“Anyone with concerns about the hygiene of a premises, or a complaint about the safety of the food, can report information to: consumer.protection@reading.gov.uk.
“If you’re a food business owner, you can find information about running your business safely at: www.reading.gov.uk/business/advice-and-opportunities/running-a-food-business/.”
