Dead mice found at Indian restaurant in Sandwell
Owners of an Indian restaurant in Smethwick have been fined nearly £10,000 after environmental health officers found dead mice and droppings on food containers and catering equipment.
Officers from Sandwell Council's environmental health department made the discoveries during a routine check at Jee Jee's Punjabi Bar and Grill.
They found mouse droppings and a dead mouse during the inspection on December 10, 2012 Sandwell Magistrates Court heard.
The restaurant on High Street in Smethwick is owned by Theogony Limited.
Alka Kapoor, the company's director and secretary, represented the company in court and pleaded guilty to failing to put in place adequate procedures to control pests, failing to ensure food was protected against any contamination and failing to ensure the premises were kept clean.
Mr David Elliot, prosecuting on behalf of Sandwell Council said: "Officers discovered mouse droppings on shelves in a food storage area in the cellar, along skirting boards and in areas where food was prepared.
"They also found a dead mouse in a container holding glasses and two more badly de-composed bodies of mice wedged between a bin. Upon further investigation they found a five kilogram bag of chilli cashews that had been gnawed by mice."
Officers declared an immediate risk to public health and the manager closed the restaurant voluntarily. In total 23 dead mice were found in traps over a three day period while the restaurant was closed.
Ms Kapoor said she wasn't aware that there had been a mice infestation and that the business was struggling with a high staff turnover. The restaurant has since ceased trading. Theogony Limited was fined a total of £9,900 for the three offences and ordered to pay an additional £330 victim surcharge and court costs of £2,420.44.
