Three food traders at Birmingham's Arcadian Food Court have been forced to close after environmental health officers discovered severe rat and cockroach infestations. Birmingham Magistrates Court granted hygiene emergency prohibition orders against A Zhen Kitchen, Korean Soup and Rice, and Orient Canteen on Thursday, following a complaint about rats that prompted an inspection on September 7.
Inspection reveals widespread contamination
Birmingham City Council environmental health officer Callum Arthur visited the food court on September 7 and found rat droppings throughout A Zhen Kitchen, including on floors, surfaces and shelving. A rat trapping cage was already in place at the unit, indicating the operators were aware of the ongoing problem before the inspection.
Cockroaches were found scurrying around both Orient Canteen and Korean Soup and Rice units. Mr Arthur told magistrates the insects "can spread serious diseases such as salmonella and e-coli." He observed the cockroaches under fridges, on floors and in wall cavities at the two premises.
Previous problems had worsened
Mr Arthur said there had been 'low level' problems with cockroaches at the premises previously, but these had got worse. The environmental health officer assessed that the issues at all three units posed an "imminent risk to public health," and magistrates granted the emergency prohibition orders.
The three businesses must now complete schedules of works to rectify the problems and satisfy council officers that the risk has been removed before they can reopen. The closures affect traders at the Arcadian, a popular dining destination in Birmingham's Chinese Quarter.
