Council closes town centre restaurant following serious rodent infestation

AN ‘imminent risk to health’ at a town centre restaurant has led to its formal closure by the Council’s food and safety team.

AR Foods Ltd, trading as Anjappar Chettinad Indian Restaurant on Kings Road, Reading, was visited by Council officers on 23^rd July, after the owners requested a re-rating of their recently issued food hygiene score of 1.

During the visit, officers found evidence of a rodent infestation, including live rodents and rat droppings, in food storage and food handling areas of the restaurant. Several food products in storage had been exposed to contamination, including bags of flour that had been gnawed by rodents.

Rodents, in particular rats, carry various pathogens that can be transmitted to humans through their droppings, urine, and fur, leading to health complications such as Salmonella and E. coli.

The business voluntarily disposed of the affected stock. Based on the findings, officers issued a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice (HEPN), formally closing the restaurant that same day, and liaised with Reading’s Legal Services to begin the court process to keep the premises closed until the health risk is removed.

Reading Magistrates Court agreed the HEPN on 31 July 2026, and a new Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Order (HEPO) was issued. The order required the premises to remain closed until the structural and pest control issues have been addressed, and a comprehensive deep clean has been completed.

Costs of £1,055 were awarded to the Council.

Following a revisit to the premises this morning (04/8), officers were satisfied that there is no longer an imminent risk to health and the premises have been permitted to reopen.

Cllr Rachel Eden, Lead Councillor for Education and Public Health, said: 

"Residents and visitors to our town deserve confidence that the food they buy is safe to eat, and the majority of our resturants and cafes uphold high standards, so it's very important the council takes robust action whenever businesses put customers at risk. 

“The council's Food & Safety team will continue to work with businesses to educate staff in the best hygiene practices and to ensure the highest levels of hygiene and safety standards are maintained.”  

Anyone concerned about safety or hygiene at a food business is encouraged to report them in confidence at https://www.reading.gov.uk/business/consumer-advice/food-safety/. Any businesses requiring guidance or support are also encouraged to contact the team for free initial advice.