The operator of a Belfast imported food warehouse has been fined £5,000 for hygiene offences, including rat faeces contamination.
Belfast City Council took the prosecution against Shah Jalal Belfast Limited at Belfast Magistrates' Court yesterday, following a routine inspection of their premises at Balmoral Link a year ago.
Environmental Health and Pest Control Officers gave a hygiene rating of 0 after discovering food contaminated with rodent faeces; food not stored appropriately to protect it against contamination from pests and a lack of pest control measures.
Rats were also discovered in rodent traps in the food storage area during inspections and inspectors reported the premises "was not kept clean and was in some disrepair".
The food business operator agreed to voluntarily close the premises on March 19 2019 until the pest issue was resolved, reopening five days later with officers "satisfied sufficient measures had been taken to remove the imminent risk to public health".
The operator was also ordered to pay £252 in court and legal costs.
