Thai Restaurant fined for mouse infestation

A restaurant in All Saints Road is counting the cost of falling foul of food hygiene standards after being ordered to pay £5,015 yesterday (Tuesday 19 March 2013) at West London Magistrates’ Court.

The court heard that when Kensington and Chelsea’s environmental health officers visited Café De Thai, 23 All Saints Road, London W11 1HE on 12 April 2012 the premises had to be closed because officers found a severe and widespread mouse infestation. There was evidence of gnawed packets of rice and uncooked prawn crackers and mouse droppings were found on food contact surfaces.

The restaurant was not kept clean, there was a failure to provide hot and cold running water and there had been a failure to keep stored foodstuffs protected from contamination.  It therefore posed a risk to public health and was immediately closed.

Mr Leo Jubbang, the Director of Café De Thai Limited, pleaded guilty to four food hygiene offences and was fined £3,000. In addition he was ordered to pay the Council’s £2,000 costs and a £15 victim surcharge.

Mr Jubbang told the court that he had only been trading since 2009 and that his business had been suffering due to the current financial climate. In sentencing the magistrates took account of the economic downturn in fining him but also noted that the conditions found at the premises were disgusting.

Councillor Fiona Buxton, the Royal Borough’s Cabinet Member for Environmental Health, said:

“When officers visited this restaurant they found a serious mouse infestation and shut the premises immediately.  I am relieved that the court has handed down this substantial fine and hope it sends a clear signal that unhygienic conditions will not be tolerated in the borough.”