Mitcham butchers reopens after cockroaches and mice found roaming among food

A Butchers in Mitcham has reopened after Merton Council found cockroaches and mice living among the shop’s produce. Hammad Ali Halal Meat Ltd was closed on August 6 following a routine inspection by Environmental Health Officers.

During the inspection, officers uncovered a “widespread infestation” of German Cockroaches in a number of places across the shop, including in food packaging. Inspectors used roach traps to lure spoke of adult and nymph-size roaches during the inspection.

A large mice infestation was also discovered at the shop on 70 Monarch Parade. Inspectors found mice droppings in the food storage areas of the shops, as well as up on the shelves near where the customers would be.

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Inspectors also criticised the lack of usable disinfectant needed for proper cleaning in the shop. They also found ready-to-eat foods alongside raw meat in the chiller.

This was made worse by the absence of the required hand-washing facilities near the butchery area, leading the inspectors to judge the shop to be a “serious risk to public health.” As a result, a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice was served by inspectors, closing the premises with immediate effect.

As per an order made at Wimbledon Magistrates Court earlier this month, the shop had to remain closed until remain closed until council officers were satisfied that there were no more health risks to the public.

Councillor Eleanor Stringer, Cabinet Member for Civic Pride, said: “The conditions found at the butcher shop are unacceptable and will not be tolerated. We are dedicated to ensuring that all local businesses uphold the highest standards of hygiene and food safety, and we will continue to act when public health is at risk in our borough.”

During the week long closure, the Council bought in a professional pest control contractor to deal with the mice and roaches and prevent any further incidents. The shop was also subject to a “thorough” disinfection process.

The shop opened last week after the after council officers were satisfied that the health risks had been eliminated. However, the shop owners will now be under closer inspection by the Council, who will regularly inspect the business to ensure it maintains good hygiene practices.

Speaking to the local democracy reporting service, shop worker Hammad said: “They came three weeks ago, and closed us for one week. The hygiene is now improved, now everything is ok since the inspection happened.”

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