Infestation shuts family restaurant
A popular family restaurant in Auckland was forced to close for two days following a cockroach infestation.
Auckland Council shut Nando’s in West City Waita¯ kere during a pest control inspection on October 10. Food inspectors found cockroaches in a wooden benchtop.
As a result, the Nando’s outlet received an E-grade rating, a huge drop from its previous A-grade rating.
The chain-restaurant operated throughout New Zealand, but only Nando’s West City received an E-grade.
Restaurants must display a food grade certificate because it informs customers of the quality and hygiene standards of the food outlet.
A Consumer NZ spokeswoman said people have a right to expect the food they buy are prepared in hygienic premises.
‘‘A restaurant getting an E grade falls a long way short of the standards consumers would expect.’’
Nando’s New Zealand general manager Garth Parker said they replaced the benchtop and a pest control company was called for preventative treatments. Staff also conducted a detailed clean during the closure, he said.
‘‘This was an isolated case and there has been no impact to the safety of our customers.’’
The issue had been resolved to council’s satisfaction, Parker said.
‘‘Nando’s West City continues to operate in a manner consistent with its previous A-grade rating.’’
Before its inspection, Nando’s West City’s A-grade certificate was displayed on a wall by the entrance, but the E-grade certificate was displayed less prominently by the checkout. The restaurant has to wait 90 days for re-grading, but Parker said he was confident the council would reinstate the A-grade status.
‘‘Nando’s places the highest importance on food safety and restaurant hygiene.’’
West City Waita¯ kere has already come under the spotlight for its E-rated restaurants. Matsu Sushi and Wok Wok were forced to close down earlier in 2017 because of cockroach and rodent infestations. However, Wok Wok was regraded B and Matsu Sushi A following recent inspections.
West City Waita¯kere management Gerrard Earl, from Colliers International, said they were aware of Nando’s recent rating.