Mouse droppings and jeans used as cleaning rags: £5k bill over filthy Walsall takeaway
The former owner of a Walsall takeaway has been told to pay more than £5,500 after inspectors found evidence of a mice infestation and other health and safety breaches.
During an inspection of Pizza Nizza, in Bridge Street, which Eiman Salamanti owned up until earlier this year, officers found the shop 'littered' with mouse droppings.
Staff were also unable to wash their hands during preparation as there was no soap at the premises, while grills were being cleaned with a cut down pair of studded jeans.
Following the inspection the shop, which is now under new ownership, was closed for six days.
Salamanti, 31, of Caversham Road, Birmingham, pleaded guilty to eight counts of failing to comply with safety and hygiene regulations at Walsall Magistrates' Court.
Prosecuting, Kerry Munro, said: "Officers found evidence of mice infestation, with droppings littering the premises.
"They should have been easily viewable to staff, however the officers were told that staff were unaware. The shop was closed immediately as officers believed it posed an imminent risk to public health.
"Raw kebabs and burgers were stored next to buns and drinks, while pizza tins were found to contain mouse droppings.
"Floors were dirty and there was no soap or towels for staff to clean their hands in the food preparation area.
"Grills were being cleaned using a cut down pair of jeans with studs on them instead of cloths.
"The word filthy was mentioned numerous times in the inspector's report."
The court heard that Salamanti, who moved to England from Iran in 2013 and set up the business, was suffering from depression at the time and bringing up a child and 'things spiralled out of control'.
Defence solicitor Marcus Harry said: "My client initially started off running the establishment by herself, working long hours and not taking a wage home.
"She was also raising a child at the time and struggled to juggle the two. Things got on top of her, spiralled out of control and she had to enlist help.
"The mice problem came about due to a nearby tenant who had gated off access for rubbish collectors."
Chief magistrate Larry Barnes said: "We have heard how you tried to take steps to remedy your problems with mice however you didn't do enough."
Salamanti was fined £3,840 and ordered to pay £1,609 in costs plus a victim surcharge of £120.
