Butchers overrun with cockroaches and mice get all clear to reopen
By Harrison Galliven, Local Democracy Reporter
A butchers in Mitcham found to be infested with cockroaches and mice, has been allowed to reopen after a period of closure.
Hashim Halal and Supermarket was shut down throughout late September after a member of the public reported seeing cockroaches crawling on raw meat.
The public report prompted an official inspection on September 17, where the council’s environmental officers discovered a range of unhygienic practices across the shop.
Upon inspection of the premises at 241 London Rd, Mitcham, officers found German cockroaches, mice and a lack of adequate cleaning.
In addition to these infestations, the halal butchers and supermarkets were found to lack adequate cleaning equipment and practices to keep the shop clean and sanitary.
The conditions found in the shop were so severe that officers deemed them to be an ‘imminent risk to public health’ and as a result, a hygiene emergency prohibition notice was served closing the shop with immediate effect.
This was quickly followed by a magistrates court order, which forced the shop to remain closed until inspectors were satisfied the health risk condition had been removed.
The shop reopened on September 30, after the management undertook a deep clean and disinfection of the premises. The shop also underwent enhanced pest control treatment and pest proofing to protect it from further infestations.
Merton Council officers are now satisfied it is safe, hygienic and ready for the public following a recent ‘thorough examination.’
Councillor Eleanor Stringer, cabinet member for civic pride, said: “I commend the work of our Regulatory Services Team and the swift action taken to protect the health of Merton residents.
“Keeping establishments free of pests that can cause serious disease is the bare minimum for traders in our borough, and the council will always enforce regulations which clamp down on businesses that don’t provide clean and safe spaces.”
Hashim Halal and Supermarket has been approached for comment.
Pictured top: The Hashim Halal in London Road, Mitcham (Picture: Google Street View)