Rat infestation at takeaway: Presto Pizza, Masbrough Street, Rotherham, fined by Sheffield court

Presto Pizza, in Masbrough Street, near Rotherham town centre, was closed last October after Rotherham Council environmental health officers found evidence of rats inside the takeaway, but it has reopened following remedial work.

Council officers presented their findings to a district judge at Sheffield Magistrates’ Court who agreed with their actions to close the shop immediately, due to the unacceptable hygiene standards.

A pest controller provided structural pest proofing and treatment works at Presto Pizza following the closure.

A follow-up visit by environmental health officers found the rat infestation had been cleared and extensive deep cleaning and sanitisation had taken place. As a result, the takeaway was allowed to reopen on October 12, 2021.

Appearing at court earlier this month, managing director Rezaul Haque admitted three food hygiene offences and was fined £840 and ordered to pay £400 costs. He must also pay a victim surcharge of £85.

Councillor Dominic Beck said: “Food business operators have a legal duty to comply with the required hygiene standards and we do not tolerate those who flout the law. Where public health is at risk, council environmental health officers will always take the necessary enforcement action to protect people.”

Sam Barstow, acting assistant director of community safety and street scene, said: “Sadly there are still business owners who do not keep to the standards needed to make sure the food they sell is safe to eat. My colleagues work tirelessly to keep us all safe from potential harm and bring these cases to court.”

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