More grim images show just how filthy the conditions were inside a Liverpool takeaway that was hit with a £6,000 fine.
During an inspection of the Kensington Takeaway business in August 2021, environmental health officers from Liverpool City Council discovered a mouse infestation and inadequate pest control measures in place in the business.
There were mouse droppings throughout the premises, including on food preparation equipment and on food packaging. There was also a lack of regular and effective cleaning protocols, resulting in a build-up of food debris and grease, and a number of holes were discovered which provided rodents with access.
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The conditions in the filthy takeaway were so unhygienic that the business was closed immediately because of an "imminent risk to health."
The Director of Kensington Takeaway Ltd, Mr Keihan Nikseresht Somehsaraei, has now been fined £5,200, plus costs of £750 and £190 victim surcharge after pleasing guilty to 20 breaches of food safety hygiene regulations, in a case that was heard at Liverpool Magistrates Court on December 22 2022.
After the forced closure was ordered, remedial works were undertaken and the takeaway was given permission to re-open. Another inspection took place in March 2022, and again, mouse droppings were evident, regular cleaning was not taking place and there were still some gaps and holes which were acting as entry points for mice.
The premises was closed to the public once again while improvement works took place. The takeaway reopened in April 2022 following another assessment by officers. Kensington Takeaway is no longer operational. The premises are now under the management of a new food business operator.
Earlier today the ECHO shared a number of gut-wrenching images from inside the takeaway, taken by inspectors. Now further pictures of the state of the premises can be shared.
Reacting to the original images on the Liverpool Echo facebook page, Stephen Howard said it was "absolutely vile", while Layla Rose added "absolutely disgusting."
Jen Murray added: "Before ordering from somewhere new always check the food rating online. I know it doesn't mean that's what they're like at that particular moment you've ordered but still it gives a bit of an idea what it's generally like."
Speaking about the case of Kensington Takeaway, Mayor of Liverpool, Joanne Anderson, lead cabinet member for the Neighbourhoods portfolio, said: “This case shows a shocking disregard for people’s health and the terrible state of the takeaway could have resulted in many customers becoming extremely unwell.
“It’s a significant fine and highlights just how seriously we take these sorts of offences. It is unacceptable to operate a business in this manner and we simply won’t tolerate it.
Mayor Anderson added: “This case sends out a strong message to food outlets across the city - don’t be complacent. Our team doesn’t just carry out one-off visits, they will come back to inspect any premises to check the appropriate standards are being maintained, and if they’re not, action will be taken.
“I’d like to thank our environmental health team, the officers provide an incredible service across the city so that residents and visitors can, rightly so, expect the highest possible standards when they visit any food outlet.”
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