Restaurateurs fined £9k after mouse droppings found

A husband and wife duo who ran a restaurant that broke several food safety and hygiene regulations have been fined a total of £9,050.

Pervez Akhtar and his wife Ryhana were in charge of New Shahi Spice in High Street, Slough.

The borough council found multiple serious problems, including mouse droppings and a ceiling "dirty with cobwebs".

Pervez Akhtar admitted eight breaches of food safety and hygiene regulations and Rhyana Akhtar admitted four breaches at Slough Magistrates' Court.

The restaurateurs, of Slough Road, Datchet, was told to pay a total of £5,000, which amounts to £2,250 in fines, costs of £1,850 and a £900 surcharge.

His wife, also of Slough Road, Datchet, was told to pay a total of £2,050, which amounts to £750 in fines, £1,000 in costs and a £300 surcharge.

"I am pleased our food and safety team was able to bring a prosecution against these two people who had no regard for public safety when operating their business," Ishrat Shah, the council's lead member for equalities, public health and public protection, said.

"The fines handed out by the court will hopefully act as a deterrent to other food business operators and encourage them to take a good look at how they handle food and to review the condition of their premises.

"The restaurant is now under new ownership and trading by a different name."

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