In a case of serious health code violations, two businesses in Harrow were forced to shut down after they were discovered to be infested with rats and mice.
Harrow Council Environment Health officers discovered major infestations after visiting Peri Peri Original on Station Road and Best Foods on Rayners Lane. Owner of Peri Peri, Wadir Hussain and Vaani Cash and Carry of Best, were ordered to pay fines totalling more than £ 3000 by Willesden Magistrates Court. Councillor Graham Henson said, “These are serious and concerning cases and I am pleased our officers took action quickly before any harm was done to customers of the two food outlets. Every business has a duty of care for their customers however there are unfortunately a small minority who abuse this. We are committed to ensuring businesses operate safely in our borough and we will take tough action where businesses are found to put the public at risk.”
“Rats and mice carry diseases which pose a serious risk to public heath. These two food outlets had no thought about the serious implications this could have on their customers. What’s more concerning is that despite a previous visit, Best Foods continued to operate with mice infestation. I am pleased with the outcome of these cases and hope that it serves as a reminder to other businesses who feel it is okay to operate in this way.”
Hussain was quick to claim that he had actioned a pest control report and there was no threat to public health. He was ordered to pay £1735 and owners of Best Foods who were absent in court were charged with £1560. The action was taken following a complaint by a customer, after which, council officers investigated Peri Peri original and uncovered a rat infestation together with poor hygiene practices. Shutters were brought down on Best Foods after a revisit from officers found the premise covered with mice droppings, which were also found on food packets and shelves. Further investigation revealed that food contents had been chewed and eaten.
