The owner of a takeaway which was overrun with mice and used mouldy tomato puree has been fined nearly £15,000.

Kunaratnam Kunanathan, 36, appeared before Medway Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday April 7 and pleaded guilty to seven charges relating to food offences at his business, Pizza Plus Fried Chicken, High Street, Gillingham.

During a check, council environmental health inspectors found an active and widespread mouse infestation, pizza boxes and other food packaging contaminated by mouse droppings and filthy food preparation areas.

At the time of the inspection mouldy tomato puree was being used for pizza toppings.
Council officers feared there was an imminent risk to public health and closed the premises immediately in January 2014.

The takeaway later reopened and further checks were carried out by the council to ensure the infestation was under control but the store was then closed down for good by the owner.

Kunanathan, of Catford, London, was fined £14,500 and ordered to pay £2,793 in costs.

He admitted seven offences under food safety and hygiene regulations including a lack of cleaning, having an uncontrolled mice infestation and selling unfit food.

He also admitted two health and safety charges including a failure to maintain the electrical installation to prevent danger.

Medway Council’s Food and Safety Team offers free advice to food premises on their responsibilities and how to maintain public safety.

To find out more visit medway.gov.uk