Cockroach infested butchers closed

A filthy halal butchers was shut down after health inspectors found cockroaches crawling all over its floor, walls and work surfaces.

Mounds of food debris and dirt were also discovered at New Halal MeatCentre, in Ealing Road, Wembley, last week.

David Thrale, director of Brent Council's environmental health service,said: "The premises was heavily infested by cockroaches, and contaminatedby pigeon debris."

Cleaning was inadequate, as was the replacement of defective surfaces andequipment that could not be properly cleaned."

Brent Council was granted a hygiene emergency prohibition order bymagistrates on Thursday last week(16), shutting the business because of the woeful standard of cleanliness.

The butchers will now remain closed until officers are satisfied there isno longer a health risk to the public who eat food from the store.

Mr Thrale added: "Business that are not reasonably clean and free frompests can expect enforcement officers to take action to protect consumers."

To check the hygiene rating of your local food store visit the council's'scores on the doors' website at www.brent.gov.uk/scores.The New Halal Meat Centre has zero stars, out of a maximum of five.