A RESTAURANT in Reading has been re-opened safely following emergency closure as a result of rat infestation.
Zaika, The Paan Shop on Oxford Road has been cleared to re-open by Reading Borough Council after it faced closure over serious health concerns.
A member of the public reported “extensive” rat activity at the premises, which triggered an inspection by Environment Health officers.
Two officers visited the business in August and reported rat droppings around the premises, including in every corner and in the dry storage room.
Rats’ nests were discovered with chicken bones, chips, and other food waste among them in three of the fridges, along with blood stains and several expired and unlabeled food products.
They also reported that the employee sink for handwashing showed “no signs” of use.
A pest control expert estimated that droppings found were up to a year old.
It follows the sealing of some rat holes in July by pest control technicians, but the rats themselves were not dealt with and cleaning was not carried out at the premises as instructed.
Following the inspection last month, officers issued a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice (HEPN) and the premises were closed the same day.
Reading’s Legal Services began the process for the Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Order (HEPO) under The Food Safety and Hygiene (England) Regulations of 2013.
A hearing at Reading Magistrates Court on Friday, September 6, saw the order granted and full enforcement costs of £3,660 were awarded to the Council.
Officers made two subsequent visits and worked with owners to ensure all pest activities were cleared, and the venue underwent a cleaning and disinfection.
A second visit last week found the venue to be “spotlessly clean,” and a certificate of satisfaction was issued.
The closure order was then lifted.
Cllr Ruth McEwan, Lead Councillor for Education and Public Health, said: “This result is a testament to Reading’s ongoing commitment to protecting our residents and visitors from dangerous and inexcusable breaches of food hygiene standards.
The decision to close a business is never taken lightly, and I want to thank the owners for their full cooperation with our officers to ensure the hygiene issues were quickly corrected.
“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 via consumer.protection@reading.gov.uk.
“I’d like to thank the customer for bringing this issue to our attention, meaning our officers could swiftly visit the premises and tackle the problem before a serious health risk was realised.”
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