The council has released shocking photos showing the extent of a cockroach infestation at a Swindon restaurant that was today closed down until the fix the problem.
Baban Restaurant and Takeaway, on Manchester Road, was visited by inspectors from Swindon Borough Council last week, when inspectors were confronted with “one of the worst cockroach infestations they had ever seen”.
Oriental cockroaches were found inside and on top of the chest freezer, while they were even discovered inside takeaway containers, which were ready to be used for customers.
READ MORE: Manchester Road takeaway shut-down after cockroach infestation found
Cockroaches were also visible on chairs and under the tables of the customer seating area as well as in the drainage tray in the front counter chiller where uncovered ready-to-eat foods such as cut lettuce, onion, red cabbage, lemons and jalapenos were ready to be served to customers.
Live cockroaches were found in a large open bag of dried red lentils, which were on a trolley next to the hot water boiler. Underneath, more than 100 dead and alive insects were found. There were so many cockroaches, officers had to request additional evidence bags.
The borough council applied to Swindon Magistrates’ Court this morning (April 28) for a hygiene emergency prohibition order, which gives the authority the power to keep the restaurant closed until the issue is fixed.
Business owner Jamal Mahjed, who was ordered to pay the council’s costs of £2,053, will also have to apply in writing to reopen the restaurant.
Council prosecutor told the court: “The general hygiene standards were poor, there was food on the floor and under the equipment.
“There was accumulation of debris at the point the walls meet the floor, the walls were greasy, there was no soap at the hand washing basin, and there was raw meat defrosting in the sink, next to seemingly dirty plates.”
He said cockroaches can spread diseases include dysentery, gastroenteritis and cholera.
“Cockroaches are nocturnal so to find living cockroaches out and about in the day shows a very active and out of control infestation.”
Mr Bigwood went on to say that they had been working with Mr Mahjed, who had arranged for a pest controller to visit, but this had been delayed and was not going to happen until Thursday afternoon at the earliest.
On the Food Standards Agency website, Baban Restaurant & Takeaway is “awaiting inspection” and does not have a current food hygiene rating.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article