Rat-infested sandwich shop's owner banned

A rat-infested sandwich shop in Leeds has been shut down and the owner banned from running a food business.

Inspectors spotted a rat running behind fridges and freezers in the kitchen at Emma's Sandwich Shop on Wortley Road, Armley.

They found more evidence of an "active widespread rat infestation", including droppings in food handling areas and bite marks on lids of containers.

Dawn Smith admitted 14 food safety offences at Leeds Crown Court and was handed a 16-month custodial sentence suspended for two years.

The premises had no hot running water for handwashing and was covered in "thick filth", inspectors found.

One offence was for breaching a closure order, where she continued to open for business despite having a hygiene emergency prohibition notice being in place which required the shop to close.

Councillor Mohammed Rafique said any failures to follow food hygiene rules "could potentially result in terrible consequences for the public".

"The operator's repeated failure to improve standards and comply with improvement notices show a flagrant disregard to food safety," he added.

A warrant was previously issued for Smith's arrest after she twice failed to attend court.

The judge approved Leeds City Council's application for a Hygiene Prohibition Order which bans her from participating in the management of any food business.

She was also ordered to complete 25 rehabilitation activity days and pay a victim surcharge of £187.

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