A CHIP shop has been closed down following a suspected rat infestation.
VJ’s Fisheries in Queensgate, Huddersfield, was ordered to close yesterday by Huddersfield Magistrates.
They issued the closure order after rat excrement was found by Kirklees Council health inspectors in the takeaway’s cellar on July 1.
An Emergency Hygiene Prohibition Order (EHPO) was issued yesterday by the court.
The order means the chip shop may not reopen until Kirklees Council inspectors find the premises in a satisfactory state.
Prosecuting for Kirklees Council, Samantha Ogilvie said rat droppings had been found on sacks of potatoes and in the cellar where potatoes were prepared.
Miss Ogilvie said: “An order is requested arising from a complaint at VJ Fisheries. The complaint is from a member of the public who is alleged to have seen rat droppings.
“The premises appeared to have fresh droppings and food containers had been gnawed through by rats.
“There was a strong stench of urine in the premises.
“The inspector is of the opinion that there was a rat infestation and it was an imminent risk to health, and served an Emergency Hygiene Prohibition Notice.
“Rats pose a serious risk to human health. They carry and transmit potentially fatal diseases and transmit them by urine and faeces.”
Miss Ogilvie added further droppings had been found in the takeaway’s service area.
Chairman of the bench Margaret Atkinson said: “We have no problem whatsoever in issuing an EHPO.”
Birkby man Vajid Karim, who owns the takeaway, was absent from court yesterday.
Karim, of Arnold Street, Birkby, has been advised to clear the premises and call in a pest exterminator.
A council spokesman said: “Making sure that food sold to customers through fast food outlets are safe is a high priority for Kirklees Public Protection Services and that means making sure businesses follow strict rules on food safety and hygiene.
“We will not hesitate to prosecute those businesses who cut corners and flout those rules.”
