Community kitchen shut after cockroach infestation

Cockroaches were found in the kitchen area as well as in packets of rice and bags of flour

A cockroach infestation has forced a council to close an unlicenced kitchen in a community centre, due to the "imminent risk to health".

Reading Council's food safety team said it found a large number cockroaches in the kitchen area, amongst cooking pots, utensils, and in storage areas at the Shirdi Saibaba Temple on West Street in Reading.

Officers immediately issued a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice (HEPN), the kitchen was closed down, and all contaminated food was voluntarily surrendered and destroyed.

Lead Councillor for Education and Public Health, Rachel Eden said: "I hope this acts as a reminder to local organisations and businesses that hygiene standards must always be upheld."

During the visit, a large number of baby, juvenile, and adult cockroaches were found in the kitchen area

Cockroaches carry many diseases, including salmonella and E.coli, as well as viruses and even some parasites.

Eden said she wanted to reassure "our communities that we are constantly inspecting premises to ensure you can be confident the food you eat is safe to consume."

Reading Magistrates' Court agreed the HEPN on 11 September, and a new prohibition order was issued, granting a formal closure until all vermin is removed, and a deep clean has taken place.

The council was awarded £1,810 in costs by the court and officers will be making several visits to assess progress before issuing a certificate of satisfaction that the risk to health is no longer present.