A boss of a Birmingham takeaway forced to closed after a mice infestation was found guilty of five offences under the Food Hygiene (England) Regulations 2006 at Birmingham Magistrates Court.
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- Council: Birmingham City Council
- Fine: £800
- Costs: £200
- Total: £1,000
Salman Obaid, was ordered to close Sajid Shahi Kebab House in Alum Rock Road, Alum Rock, when Birmingham City Council environmental health officers visiting the premises on 24 October 2012, found evidence of a serious mice infestation plus filthy equipment, food preparation and storage areas. The takeaway reopened on 26 October 2012 after inspectors were satisfied it no longer posed an imminent risk to public health.
Obaid, who pleaded not guilty to all five offences – including failures to put in place pest controls, keep food premises and equipment clean, and ensure staff received food hygiene training – was ordered to pay a total of £1,000, consisting of an £800 fine and £200 court costs.
He confirmed during an interview on 29 January 2013 that he had permanently closed Sajid Shahi Kebab House. It is now under new management as a Chicken Cottage franchise.
Mark Croxford, the council’s head of environmental health for north Birmingham, said: “All food businesses – including takeaways – are included in a regular inspection programme which is designed to ensure they all operate to a good standard.
“Officers visiting the Sajid Shahi Kebab House in October 2012 found a high number of mouse droppings, filthy kitchen equipment as well as dirty and contaminated food preparation and storage areas. No measures had been taken to prevent pests from getting into these areas, and I understand that rodents were caught while the business was closed in October 2012.
“On average we take emergency action on about 40 food businesses – from between 3,000 and 4,000 inspections – each year, which is a very small proportion of serious problems. These are all dealt with quickly, and if consumers wish to report any food hygiene issues they can do so via our website www.birmingham.gov.uk.”
