Council cracks down on unsafe food businesses during September

ROUTINE hygiene inspections by Reading Council Environmental Health officers in September uncovered serious public health risks at two food businesses in the town.

During an inspection of Nepalese restaurant Momo House, in Farnham Drive, Caversham, officers found the usual mains gas supply to the premises had been replaced by five Liquefied Petroleum gas (LPG) bottles, in use around the kitchen after the natural supply was cut.

Kitchen appliances connected to the mains gas had been removed and replaced with equipment purchased on Facebook marketplace, allowing the highly combustible LPG gas bottles to be connected with a shortened hose, without the need for a gas engineer.

The bottles were found to be covered in grease and at risk of exploding at any time due to being stored close to tandoori ovens. There was also no hot water provision for cleaning or handwashing.

LPG cannisters in the kitchen of Momo House

Officers immediately worked with the business to close temporarily while the premises were ventilated, and arrangements could be put in place for the gas canisters to be safely removed.

Later the same week, during another routine inspection at The Peri Peri Chicken Hut, Whitley Street, Reading, officers witnessed widespread cockroach activity throughout the restaurant area and kitchen.

A large number of baby, juvenile, and adult cockroaches were found in the salad bar, drink storage, under a hand wash basin, and behind the fridges. Due to their various life stages, evidence suggests cockroaches may have been present at the property for more than three months.

A cockroach in the salad bar at the Peri Peri hut

The business is believed to have changed hands in 2019 but had failed to update its registration with the Council. 

Officers served a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice, immediately closing the restaurant due to the imminent risk to public health and are working towards a court hearing for a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Order, formally keeping premises closed for remedial work and deep cleaning to commence.

Environmental Health officers will monitor the business closely, provide advice and information, and inspect the premises as soon as they are ready to reopen.

Cllr Ruth McEwan, Lead Councillor for Public Health and Education, said:

“These cases underscore the vital work of Reading’s public protection team, constantly monitoring businesses across the borough to ensure they are supported to operate on a level playing field, and quickly intervening with those who dangerously cut corners to protect the public.

“Anyone with concerns about a food business in Reading can report them, in confidence, to consumer.protection@reading.gov.uk.”

ENDS