Cockroach infestation shut down restaurant
DISCOVERY of an infestation of cockroaches at the Basmati Indian Cuisine in Devonshire Road last month led to its immediate closure, Rother District Council has revealed.
But following nine days in which the premises were thoroughly cleansed, the restaurant began trading again last Friday, January 27.
Rother District Council head of environmental health Richard Parking Harding said: “We received a complaint from a member of the public. Officers from Rother’s Environmental Health team visited the Basmati restaurant in Bexhill on Wednesday, January 18.
“During the visit a serious infestation of cockroaches was discovered. Cockroaches are a serious public health risk as they can carry and spread diseases such as salmonella and campylobacter.
“On discovery of the infestation, officers served an Emergency Prohibition Notice to close the premises with immediate effect. The notice was confirmed by Hastings Magistrates Court on Friday, January 20 who issued an Emergency Prohibition Order.”
But Mr Parker-Harding said the restaurant had taken immediate action to get rid of the cockroaches, antigens from which can also pose a risk to asthma sufferers.
He said: “A certificate allowing the re-opening of the Basmati Restaurant was issued on January 27 following a period of intensive treatment that resulted in the successful eradication of the cockroach infestation at the restaurant.”
Normally serving food seven days a week, and with a facility for takeaways, the fully-licensed, air-conditioned restaurant was officially opened on October 28, 2006. Its website boasts: “Hygiene and high quality is our motto”.
Shafiqul Islam Khan, for the restaurant, said: “Unfortunately there was a problem but we have dealt with it quickly.
“We have many loyal customers and when we re-opened last weekend we were having to turn people away because all the tables were booked.
“I can assure people that everything has been done to ensure the highest standards have been restored.”
• If anyone requires advice on matters of food hygiene they should contact Rother District Council on 01424 787000 or visit its website at www.rother.gov.uk.
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Weather for Bexhill-on-Sea
Monday 28 May 2012
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