Cockroaches and mouse droppings were discovered at Oldham food store
Date published: 01 December 2023
Some of the evidence found by inspectors. Image courtesy of Oldham Council
The owners of two Oldham businesses pleaded guilty to food hygiene offences following inspections by the council's environmental health team.
Last year, officers discovered cockroaches, mouse droppings, and no running hot water - which is vital for maintaining a clean environment and hygiene - during an inspection of Greenhill Food Store, on Sickle Street.
Owners Rahila Mohid, of Kensington Road and Mohammed Alom, 32, of Bobbin Walk, admitted food hygiene charges when they appeared in court.
Mohid and Alom received fines of £1,000 each, and were also ordered to pay legal costs of £1,008 each, plus victim surcharge of £400 each.
In a separate case, magistrates heard how inspectors found mouse droppings at Desi Fried Chicken, on Manchester Road in Oldham, during a routine visit in July last year.
The takeaway was ordered to close immediately, until the premises had been cleaned and the pests removed.
The owner, Ahsan Raza, 34, of Castle Street in Nelson, admitted nine different hygiene offences when he appeared in court on November 20, 2023.
Raza was fined £738, and had to pay £625 costs, plus a victim surcharge of £295.
His company, Sheerazi Ltd, was also fined £4,000, £625 in costs, and a £1,600 victim surcharge.
Councillor Chris Goodwin, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, said: “It's crucial all businesses follow proper hygiene procedures.
“We don’t want any of our residents put at risk from places with poor hygiene.
“Our inspectors are here to help but also won’t hesitate to take action against any businesses where poor practices could compromise public health.”
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