Waltham Forest food wholesaler fined after rodents found

Nisa’s Homemade Recipes Ltd, at Leyton Business Centre, Etloe Road, supplied kebabs, spring rolls, and samosas to restaurants, caterers, and convenience stores across London and beyond.

It was temporarily shut down on March 20, 2019 after the officers from Waltham Forest Council found breaches of food hygiene laws during a routine inspection.

On one sticky trap they found at least six mice in varying states of decay along with dozens of flies. There was also evidence of rats.

Dead mice and flies found on sticky trap

Officers reported: “A severe ongoing mouse infestation was found across the business, including in the food production areas where open food and ingredients are stored and handled.”

During a hearing on August 9, Thames Magistrates Court also heard that: “There were very poor levels of cleanliness evident across the business.”

The firm, which boasts that it has been “providing the highest quality Halal snacks since 1999”, was reopened nine days later following a clean-up.

The defendant was not in court to hear the case. They were fined £10,000 for two offences, plus a £120 victim surcharge, and £1,855.66 in costs to be paid in full by October 1.

Cllr Clyde Loakes, Deputy Leader of Waltham Forest Council and Cabinet Member who oversees food hygiene in the borough, said: “People must have confidence that the food they are buying is fit to eat and the firms supplying it are preparing the produce in safe and clean environments.

“As a local authority we have always been vigilant, and we remained so during the pandemic. The number of people ordering takeaways via apps soared during the lockdowns so customers often didn’t get to see the places where they were ordering from, which shows why it was so important that our officers couldn’t afford to let their guard down.”