Restaurant shut down over ‘worst cockroach infestation ever seen’
HYGIENE inspectors have described a cockroach infested restaurant in Swindon as one of their ‘worst cases’ ever.
Swindon Borough Council environmental health officers inspected and instantly closed down Baban Restaurant and Takeaway in Manchester Road last week.
They found hundreds of live and dead cockroaches – including some inside food packages and in some food preparation areas.
A spokesperson for the authority said: “The team, who closed the restaurant after making the obscene discovery, described it as one of the worst cockroach infestations they had ever seen.
“Oriental cockroaches were found inside and on top of the chest freezer, while they were even discovered inside takeaway containers, which were ready to be used for customers.
“Cockroaches were also visible on chairs and under the tables of the customer seating area as well as in the drainage tray in the front counter chiller where uncovered ready-to-eat foods such as cut lettuce, onion, red cabbage, lemons and jalapenos were ready to be served to customers.
“Live cockroaches were found in a large open bag of dried red lentils, which were on a trolley next to the hot water boiler. Underneath, more than 100 dead and alive insects were found.
“There were so many cockroaches, officers had to request additional evidence bags.”
After hearing the evidence yesterday, a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Order was issued by magistrates allowing SBC to keep the restaurant shut until officers are satisfied that the safety of customers can be met.
The business will have to apply in writing to reopen. Business owner Jamal Majed was ordered to pay the council’s costs of £2,053.