Cockroach-infested curry house shut down after bugs found lurking inside chef hats
Inspectors feared the 'filthy' conditions would put customers’ health at risk
A BUG-infested curry house has been closed down after inspectors found it crawling with cockroaches - including some inside the chef's hats.
South Indian and Sri Lankan diner Palii Maamala in Walthamstow, London, was shut following fears the filthy conditions would put customers’ health at risk.
Food safety inspectors uncovered the infestation of cockroaches inside the kitchen with droppings found on shelves containing open food contrainers and dinner plates.
Bugs were also seen living in a box of paper hats worn by the chefs.
The restaurant's cooker was covered with grease in conditions described as “disgusting”.
The upstair's function room was also infested with cockroaches.
Waltham Forest Council issued an immediate hygiene order for the curry house to shut following an inspection on Monday, September 12 over a number of food safety breaches.
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The order was received at Stratford Magistrates' Court on Wednesday September 14, confirming the closure, reports the .
The restaurant owner has been issued with a list of work requirements before the business could reopen. The council added it would apply for the owner to cover its court costs.
Cllr Clyde Loakes, deputy leader and cabinet member for environment said: “Restaurants that put the health of their customers at risk by operating in such disgusting conditions have no place in Waltham Forest.
“It is frankly unbelievable that the owners thought it was acceptable to operate a food business in such an unhygienic environment.
“I’m glad that the court agreed with the verdict of our officers and this premises will be staying shut until we are satisfied that the owners have got their act together.”