COCKROACH FINES FOR CITY CAFE
INSPECTORS FOUND AN INFESTATION OF SALMONELLA-CARRYING COCKROACHES DURING VISIT TO CARDIFF’S MR TIKKA
A CARDIFF cafe was closed down after around 100 cockroaches were discovered in the kitchen and dining area.
The insects were found at Mr Tikka on City Road in Roath, Cardiff, when council officers carried out an unannounced routine inspection on May 7 of last year.
When officers arrived, owner Rubi Begum was seen sweeping two live insects off the counter and white powder – believed to be an insecticide – was on the kitchen floor.
More insects, including German cockroaches, which pose a significant health risk, were later discovered in the kitchen and dining area where customers were eating.
Ms Begum and her husband Munim Khan appeared at Cardiff Magistrates’ Court on July 9 for sentencing after admitting four food hygiene offences.
Mr Tikka, which serves baguettes, baked potatoes and curry dishes, has since been awarded a four-star food hygiene rating.
Cardiff council said it was “immediately
clear” to the inspector that there was an active insect infestation at the cafe and the inspector called the duty food safety officer.
The officer arrived later that day and a full inspection was carried out.
Around 100 insects, both dead and alive were found in the cafe, food was found under the counters and splashed across the walls and dead cockroaches were even found under the tables in the dining area where people were eating.
A cockroach trap was also found under the sink.
After the remaining customers had left, the cafe was voluntarily closed. The German cockroaches found were a significant health risk due to the presence of salmonella on their bodies.
Ms Begum told the officer the floor was mopped every day but she didn’t know if a pest control contract was in place, telling the officer her husband dealt with the day to day running of the business.
Ms Begum and Mr Khan admitted four offences for failures as a food business operator in respect of food hygiene under Regulation 17(1) Food Hygiene (Wales) Regulations 2006.
Ms Begum was fined £1,000, ordered to pay costs of £300 and a victim surcharge of £100. Munim Khan was fined £500, ordered to pay costs of £150 and a victim surcharge of £50.
Cardiff council said it is working with the cafe to ensure repairs and renovations have taken place and that they have a contract with a pest control company in place.
A follow-up inspection was carried out in May of this year and the cafe was given a four-star food hygiene rating.
Cllr Michael Michael, Cabinet Member responsible for Shared Regulatory Services at Cardiff council, said: “This case came to light through a routine inspection, as it was a new food business in Cardiff. What we found was disgusting and by taking these matters to court, we are sending a very clear message to all food businesses in the city that falling short of the legal requirements will not be tolerated.”