A NEPALESE restaurant in Emmer Green has re-opened with the top food hygiene score possible, after owners worked closely with the Council’s Environmental Health team to make improvements.
Momo House in Farnham Drive, Caversham, was temporarily closed by Reading Environmental Health officers in September last year as a result of serious breaches of standards.
These included no provision for hot water and significant lapses in food hygiene practises.
Due to risk to health found in the restaurant at the time, officers issued a 0/5 hygiene rating, the lowest on the scale, and the premises were shut voluntarily with immediate effect.
Owners then agreed to a schedule of improvement works, including the removal and disposal of the unsafe liquid propane gas canisters in use around the kitchen, and the restoration of the hot water supply.
Work by the Council’s Environmental Health officers with the business owners to rectify the issues commenced, and a revisit to Momo House in October last year found the hot water had been restored and the gas safety risk had been removed.
The owners had also taken steps towards improving the standards of food hygiene, satisfying officers that the restaurant could re-open safely to the public.
Last month, a further hygiene inspection took place, and it was noted that the business had continued to make significant improvements.
Momo House was awarded a new 5/5 rating, meaning standards are very good and compliant with the law.
Cllr Ruth McEwan, Lead Councillor for Education and Public Health, said: “The decision to take enforcement action like this is never taken lightly, but the Council will always act where the health of the public is put at risk.
“I’m really pleased to see Momo House responded swiftly to our officers’ advice and worked closely with them to restore the high standards expected of our local restaurants. Achieving a 5/5 hygiene rating is a great accomplishment and a testament to their efforts.
“Officers conduct regular and thorough inspections of premises across the Borough. However, members of the public have a vital role to play in reporting any concerns about a food business or retailer and can do so in full confidence on the Council website.”
