Poor hygiene practices force restaurant closure

A Loughborough restaurant has been forced to close immediately after inspectors discovered evidence of poor hygiene practices.

The Mugal E Shahi in Loughborough was served with a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice by Charnwood Borough Council for failing to meet food safety and hygiene regulations.

A routine inspection revealed that an active pest control contract was not in place. Mouse droppings were found throughout the premises including in a bag of pickles and chutney containers, and the overall standard of hygiene at the restaurant was deemed to be very poor.

Council officers described the “filthy” state of the restaurant’s chiller, which had mould growing on the shelves.

Emergency procedures were implemented after the Council determined there was an imminent risk of injury to the public.

Leicester Magistrates’ Court has prohibited the business from opening until the risk has been mitigated. The restaurant, which is currently co-operating with the Council, has also been ordered to pay £1,000 costs.

Cllr Margaret Smidowicz, lead member for regulatory services at Charnwood Borough Council, said: “Businesses who serve food to the public need to ensure they understand and follow the rules around food hygiene and safety as they are there to protect people’s health.

“I’m pleased the courts agreed with the actions of our officers and that the restaurant will not be able to operate again until improvements have been made and there are no health risks to their customers.

“I hope this is a reminder to all food businesses in the borough that we take food hygiene and safety very seriously and we will not hesitate to take action if we think there is a risk to the general public.

“We want local businesses to be successful but to also comply with the rules. We would much prefer to work alongside food businesses to help and advise them on how to ensure they are following food safety regulations, so I’d ask anyone who has any concerns to get in touch with us.”