A dead pigeon, mice droppings in food packaging and rat infestations are just some of the reasons three Waltham Forest food businesses have been closed by court order.

Following investigations by Waltham Forest Council’s hygiene inspectors Bengal Curry House, Phoenix Chinese Takeaway and a food warehouse in Leyton have been slapped with closure orders until officers are satisfied hygiene standards are met.

Officers found evidence of a rat infestation at Bengal Curry House in St James Street, Walthamstow during an inspection last month.

The council’s teams reported nothing had been done to control the problem and also found poor standards of cleaning, with the cooker, fryer and extraction fans dripping with grease.

The restaurant was closed down on February 10 and at a hearing, held on February 19, magistrates granted a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Order (HEPO) against the restaurant and fined the owners £1,009.

Food warehouse Eniola Enterprises Unit 21 in Forest Business Park, Leyton, was also closed after officers found a dead pigeon, mice droppings in the packaging and storage areas.

Hygiene teams also reported the warehouse was dirty and had no cleaning measures in place.

At a hearing, held on February 19, magistrates the owners were slapped with a HEPO and fines totalling £1,110.50.

Environmental health officers were also granted a HEPO against the owners of the Phoenix Chinese Takeaway in Higham Hill Road, Walthamstow, following reports of a “rat” being seen in the waiting area by a customer.

The business was closed down on February 17, after an inspection revealed a very well-established mouse infestation and filthy premises.

Thames Magistrates' Court ordered the owners to pay the full costs of £922.

Cllr Clyde Loakes, deputy leader and cabinet member for the environment, said: “This sends a very clear signal to that small minority of food businesses which think they can flout the law.

“Rodent infestations and general poor hygiene can put people’s health at risk – it is simply not acceptable, not now or ever.

“We want residents in Waltham Forest to be able to order their food with confidence that it has been prepared in a safe and clean environment.

“There is no excuse for standards to drop and I hope that restaurant owners and their suppliers pay attention to these orders and costs.

“I’m pleased to say that most of our takeaways and restaurants know what is required and what their customers expect.”

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