Two restaurant bosses have been handed jail sentences for the ‘dreadful state’ of a vermin-infested takeaway in Southall.

At an unannounced inspection, council officers found rat droppings in the cooking and eating areas, along with ‘filthy’ switches, taps and food mixers at the Red Sea in Southall.

Mohamud Adam and Abdinasir Ali were both given eight month jail sentences, suspended for one year after the court was shown pictures of the dirty kitchen. A judge at Isleworth Crown Court said it was only because no one had reported illness as a result of the poor hygiene standards that they weren’t jailed with immediate effect.

Ealing Council said the public’s health had been put in danger:

Local residents have every right to expect an appropriate standard is maintained and the council is active in uncovering and prosecuting cases where this standard is not met.I hope that the case of the Red Sea restaurant serves as a warning to any businesses putting the public’s health in jeopardy that they risk going to prison.

– COUNCILLOR RANJIT DHEER

Elsewhere, a shisha lounge was closed down after vermin infestations were discovered throughout the property. Sakura Lounge was forced to urgently shut when mouse faeces were found on food containers and surfaces. It has since reopened following extensive cleaning and pest control.

Source: ITV