Restaurateurs plead guilty to 53 food hygiene offences after rat and cockroach infestations found

Two Newport restaurateurs and their business have pleaded guilty to 53 serious food hygiene offences after inspectors found cockroach and rat infestations.

Afzal Miah, Aktar Miah and Desi Kitchen (NPT) Ltd pled guilty to the offences, which all relate to Jewel Balti in Chepstow Road at Cwmbran Magistrates Court on 18 May.

An inspection in January 2022 had found a significant cockroach infestation affecting equipment as well as food storage and preparations rooms, a rat infestation, decaying food containing maggots on the floor and unsuitable food storage conditions.

The business volunteered to close and address the issues following the inspection, but failed to adequately address the problems identified.

The defendants have been referred to Newport Crown Court for sentencing, which will take place later in the summer.

Cllr James Clarke, cabinet member for strategic planning, housing and regulation, said: "The council has a duty of care to protect residents and visitors from the sort of conditions that were found in Jewel Balti.

"We will always work with businesses who want to make improvements to their hygiene ratings, but we will act against those who repeatedly show poor, and in this case dangerous, food hygiene management.

"I'm pleased that our enforcement action has led to the guilty pleas, and that the magistrates court recognised the severity of the offences committed."

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