Three dead mice in takeaway

THE owners of a town centre takeaway in which three dead mice were found have pleaded guilty to offences at Oldham Magistrates Court.

Environmental health officers visited Oldham Fisheries in Union Street last May and found mouse droppings throughout the kitchen and cellar, on the floor, equipment and on food surfaces. Faeces were also seen in open packets of herbs and spices.

Sarfraz Rouf, of Cheetham Hill Road, Manchester, and Iram Bibi, of Corona Avenue, Hollins, pleaded guilty to 10 counts of failing to comply with regulations.

Inspectors found food wasn’t being protected against contamination; dirty cloths were being used to clean work surfaces, the chest freezer lid in the cellar was rusting and covered in ingrained dirt and tape, and the hand basin hadn’t even been plumbed in.

Chopping boards were damaged and dirty, taps and sinks visibly greasy, spillages hadn’t been cleaned up and none of the food handlers were wearing suitable clothing - nor had they been trained in food hygiene.

Rouf (31) told the court the shop is now closed. They will return to court on June 4 for sentencing.