An Indian restaurant in Birmingham has been forced to close after a cockroach infestation was discovered, with magistrates ruling the premises posed an 'imminent risk of injury to health'. Channi's Indian Restaurant on Stratford Road in Springfield was served with a hygiene emergency prohibition order on Thursday (July 16) following an inspection by environmental health officers two days earlier.
Inspection Reveals Extensive Infestation
Environmental health officer Simon Garrison told Birmingham Magistrates Court that officers responded to a complaint on July 14 and found cockroaches, both live and dead, in multiple areas of the restaurant. These included the kitchen, close to containers of food, on walls and on shelving. Evidence of cockroach droppings and egg sacks was also discovered, with each sack capable of hatching between 30 and 40 insects.
Birmingham City Council prosecuted the case. Michelle Brown, representing the council, confirmed the premises remained closed at the time of the hearing. Magistrates granted the emergency hygiene prohibition order, preventing the restaurant from reopening until all identified risks are eliminated.
Health Risks and Ongoing Treatment
Mr Garrison explained the dangers: 'Cockroaches carry diseases such as e-coli and salmonella and they contaminate surfaces they come into contact with. There is an imminent risk to public health.' He noted that ongoing treatment is in place and that the notice includes a schedule of works and conditions that must be met before reopening. 'Cockroaches don't just disappear after a day's cleaning,' he added.
Legal Action and Closure
The hygiene emergency prohibition notice was slapped on the premises with conditions requiring the owners to take immediate action. The restaurant remains closed until environmental health officers are satisfied that the infestation has been fully eradicated. The case highlights the council's commitment to enforcing food safety standards and protecting public health.
