A Hounslow takeaway has been forced to temporarily close its doors after council inspectors discovered “rats and mice droppings” throughout the premises.
Aaqa Charcoal Grill, located at 34 Bell Road, Hounslow, which typically sells a variety of pizza and chicken dishes, will cease trading for the foreseeable future.
The closure follows a routine inspection on May 25, during which council officers found "rats and mice droppings" on surfaces and floors and gnawed materials.
Hounslow Council officers deemed the risk to public health so severe that it took immediate action.
Councillor Amy Croft, Cabinet Member for Cabinet Member for Infrastructure, Enforcement and Recycling and former Mayor said: “Food businesses have a clear responsibility to maintain high hygiene standards and effective pest control at all times.
“Residents have the right to expect these standards from anywhere they dine out in our borough, and that’s why we will not hesitate to take immediate action where we identify conditions that put the public at risk.
“This case demonstrates that we will act quickly to protect residents and that businesses who fail to abide by food safety laws can face closure and significant costs.”
The council applied to Uxbridge Magistrates’ Court for a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Prohibition Order under the Food Safety and Hygiene (England) Regulations 2013. This was granted on May 29, just four days after the routine inspection.
Aaqa Charcoal Grill will be allowed to reopen, but only once the council is satisfied that all necessary improvements have been made and that there is no longer a risk to public health.
The court ordered the eatery to pay all legal costs incurred by the council.