Cockroach-infested curry house shut down after insects found crawling in chef hats

A cockroach-infested curry house in north-east London has been ordered to shut its doors after it was discovered crawling with insects, including in chef hats.

South Indian and Sri Lankan restaurant Palii Maamala in Hoe Street, Walthamstow, was closed following fears it risked customers’ health.

Food safety inspectors uncovered an infestation of cockroaches and nymphs inside the “filthy” kitchen with droppings found on shelves containing open food and dinner plates.

Insects were also seen living in a box of paper hats worn by the chefs while the cooker was thick with grease in conditions described as “disgusting”.

Containers were encrusted with old food with the filth witnessed across the entire building including an upstairs function room where cockroaches were also found.

Waltham Forest Council issued an immediate hygiene order for the curry house to shut following an inspection on Monday, September 12 over a number of food safety breaches.

The order was received at Stratford Magistrates' Court on Wednesday September 14, confirming the closure.

The restaurant owner has been issued with a list of work requirements before the business could reopen. The council added it would apply for the owner to cover its court costs.

Cllr Clyde Loakes, deputy leader and cabinet member for environment said: “Restaurants that put the health of their customers at risk by operating in such disgusting conditions have no place in Waltham Forest.

“It is frankly unbelievable that the owners thought it was acceptable to operate a food business in such an unhygienic environment.

“I’m glad that the court agreed with the verdict of our officers and this premises will be staying shut until we are satisfied that the owners have got their act together.”