A MASS infestation of cockroaches in an illegal kitchen has resulted in its immediate closure by the council food safety team.
An ‘imminent’ risk to health was found during a recent inspection visit to the unregistered catering kitchen at the Shirdi Saibaba Temple on West Street, Reading, prompted by a complaint about poor waste management at the premises.
On September 4 officers found the kitchen had been operating to cater for events and temple visitors on a large scale without the required registration as a food business operator.
During the visit, a large number of baby, juvenile, and adult cockroaches were found in the kitchen area, including amongst cooking pots, utensils, and in storage areas.
It was further found that 19 packets of rice, 16 bags of flour, and multiple open packets of spices had also been contaminated.
Finding evidence of cockroaches in the daylight suggests a heavy infestation, as the nocturnal insects are forced out of their hiding spots.
Cockroaches carry many diseases, including Salmonella and E.coli, as well as viruses and even some parasites; they transmit diseases through their droppings, saliva, and from physical contact with surfaces or food products.
Officers immediately issued a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice (HEPN), the kitchen was closed down, and all contaminated food was voluntarily surrendered and destroyed.
Reading Magistrates’ Court ratified the HEPN on September 11, and a new Prohibition Order was issued, granting a formal closure of the kitchen until all vermin is removed, and a deep clean has taken place.
Full costs of £1,810 were awarded to the council, and officers will be making several visits to assess progress and compliance over the coming days and weeks before issuing a certificate of satisfaction that the risk to health has been removed.
Cllr Rachel Eden, Lead Councillor for Education and Public Health, said:
“Our Food & Safety team will continue to work with businesses to ensure the highest levels of health and safety standards are consistently maintained and educate staff in the best hygiene practices.
“I hope this acts as a reminder to local organisations and businesses that hygiene standards must always be upheld and reassure our communities that we are constantly inspecting premises to ensure you can be confident the food you eat is safe to consume.”
