A BANBURY takeaway where a mouse infestation was discovered has pleaded guilty and been prosecuted for a series of serious food hygiene offences.
A hearing at High Wycombe Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday found Mr Rice Chinese Takeaway Ltd, on Broad Street guilty of three offences.
Review: Oxfordshire's vegan Punjabi takeaway V-gyian
The breaches date back to September 2019, when a routine inspection by Cherwell District Council revealed that food was being stored and prepared in areas contaminated by mouse droppings.
The council also prosecuted the establishment for failing to train its staff in proper food hygiene practices.
Councillor Andrew McHugh, Lead Member for Health and Wellbeing, said: “Local people want to know that if they order food for takeaway or home delivery, it has been safely and hygienically prepared.
“To provide that confidence, we need to be making sure businesses have the information they need to follow the law and to be carrying out enforcement if they fall short. The gravity of these offences and the sheer level of pest activity meant that it was vital for us to take this case to court.
“I am pleased to hear that the officer intervention has been effective, and that the restaurant has now made improvements.”
Pubs reopening: month-long countdown starts for outdoor drinking
Following the visit in question, Mr Rice had its food hygiene rating rescored from 3 to 0, and voluntarily closed for a deep clean. The council then made a further unannounced visit to the restaurant.
This found that conditions had improved at the restaurant, meaning officers were able to give it a rating of 4.
The offences, under the Food Safety Act 1990, were: failing to ensure food was protected against contamination; failing to keep the premises clean and in good repair and condition; and failing to ensure that food handlers were supervised and instructed.
Mr McHugh added: “We know that the hospitality trade has been hit hard by the pandemic, but for businesses to bounce back in the future it is important that consumers know hygiene standards have not been allowed to slide.”
Keep up to date with all the latest news on our website, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
For news updates straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here.
Have you got a story for us? Contact our newsdesk on news@nqo.com or 01865 425 445.
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