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Is This The Most Revolting Takeaway In Britain?

A fast food restaurant in Wigan shocked inspectors after they found dead RATS and sewage inside the premises.

Krunchy’s Chicken and Pizza in Newtown, Wigan, was littered with rat droppings, dirt and mould, while one dead rodent was found wedged between two freezers used to store food.

The discovery of the potentially deadly health risks were laid bare in court as owner Waseem Arshad pleaded guilty to to six charges of failing to comply with EU food safety and hygiene laws.

Blocked drains alongside thick grease and debris led to sewage water swilling around the storeroom, while holes were discovered in the wall where pests could enter.

The takeaway was shut down after the inspection last year on the grounds that the poor hygiene levels represented an immediate risk of injury to health.

Council officers previously gave the fast food joint a three out of five rating but a member of the public complained about the state of the place and returning inspectors found the property in a “dire state”.

Prosecutor Alison Henderson said: “There were three really obvious areas of rat activity found downstairs and around the premises and a rodent carcass was also found under the floorboards…

“Tests showed a lack of knowledge in basic food safety standards amongst staff.”

Arshad was in Pakistan at the time of the inspection because of a family emergency.

He admitted all legal responsibility for the restaurant after signing the license - despite others being involved in the ownership of the business.

His defence, Graham Simpson, said that Arshad was set to “take the hit” over what happened.

He added: “He is extremely ashamed and embarrassed…

“He came to this country and worked hard and gained qualifications from a restaurant in London.

“The damage to his reputation in the catering industry has been substantial and will follow him for years to come.”

Alan Blundell, Wigan Council’s assistant director of regulation services, said: “The vast majority of food businesses in the borough meet good standards to ensure food safety, and we work closely with all food establishments to ensure they meet, maintain and further improve their standards.

“However, we do take formal action against businesses that persistently fail to meet standards because they put the public at risk and that is not acceptable.”

Arshad was ordered to pay £2,850 for the offences and another £1,370 court costs, as well as a £47.50 victim surcharge.

The property is now registered under a new proprietor who has made “slight improvements”, according to the local authority.