Food importer fined £5,000 for hygiene offences - food contaminated with rodent faeces and rats discovered in traps

The prosecution was taken by Belfast City Council against Shah Jalal Belfast Limited at Belfast Magistrates’ Court following a routine inspection of their premises at Balmoral Link on 12 March 2019.

During inspections, Environmental Health and Pest Control Officers discovered food contaminated with rodent faeces; food not stored appropriately to protect it against contamination from pests; a lack of pest control measures; the premises was not kept clean and was in some disrepair

Rats were also discovered in rodent traps in the food storage area during inspections.

The food business operator agreed to voluntarily close the premises on 19 March 2019 until the pest issue was resolved. The premises was given a rating of 0 under the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme, meaning that urgent improvement was necessary.

The premises re-opened on 24 March 2019 as officers were satisfied sufficient measures had been taken to remove the imminent risk to public health.

The operator was also ordered to pay £252 in court and legal costs.

More information about the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme is available at www.belfastcity.gov.uk/food