Spot check found filthy kitchen at Top Wok chinese takeaway in Swaythling, Southampton

During a routine spot-check the inspectors found Top Wok in Swaythling, Southampton, littered with rat droppings under the fridge and sink.

Closer inspection of the takeaway in High Road found rodent gnawing marks on plastic bags and cardboard plus attempts by staff to block holes with crushed drinks cans and foam filler.

Prosecutor Mary Kigonya said gaps were found in rotting window sills along with a hole measuring 20cm by 15cm in the back of the building.

Ms Kigonya said: “The officer believed this hole allowed rodents entry into the premises while food was being cooked for public sale.”

The owner, 35-yearold Ban X Li, was then ordered to close her shop for four days while a pest control company was brought in.

“It was stated there was a serious issue of rodent infestation which was considered a potential health hazard,” Ms Kigonya said.

When the inspectors returned they found no trapped rodents and a clean and repaired kitchen. X Li, was then allowed to reopen after being served with an improvement notice requiring her to improve food safety.

Mark Rigby, defending X Li, said that his client took over the business in May 2011 and was misinformed by her landlord that the premises was fit to run as a takeaway.

He said: “He informed her that the premises had met food hygiene and safety requirements and that the food and regulation authority and the city council were very easy-going with regards to the state of the premises.

“It is a case of a young lady who was working hard but has been misled.

“She did have other members of staff and has since made them redundant.

She did not feel they were taking food hygiene standards seriously.”

X Li admitted failing to ensure she had a clean food premises and food safety management system, failing to register the food premises and failing to put adequate procedures in place for pest control.

Magistrates fined her £1,200 plus £150 costs.