Three food businesses at Birmingham's Arcadian ordered to close over 'rats and cockroaches'

Three traders in Birmingham’s Arcadian Food Court have been ordered to shut down following the discovery of rat and cockroach infestations.

Birmingham Magistrates Court has granted hygiene emergency prohibition orders which prevent A Zhen Kitchen, Korean Soup and Rice and Orient Canteen from opening until problems are eradicated.

A hearing on Thursday (September 10) was told Birmingham City Council environmental health officer Callum Arthur visited the food court on Monday following a complaint about rats in the premises.

At A Zhen Kitchen, he discovered rat droppings in the unit including on the floor, under coolers, on surfaces and on shelving in the kitchen.

Mr Arthur told magistrates there was a rat trapping cage set up in the premises which showed the food operator was aware of the ongoing issues.

The business was also accused of leaving food exposed to contamination and a lack of effective cleaning.

During the same visit, cockroaches were seen scurrying around Orient Canteen’s unit.

Mr Arthur said live and dead cockroaches were found on sticky board traps, while others were spotted crawling around in the kitchen and pot wash areas.

He told magistrates that the insects can spread serious diseases such as salmonella and e-coli.

And cockroaches were also present when the officer inspected the Korean Soup and Rice unit in the food hall.

Mr Arthur said there had been ‘low level’ problems with cockroaches at the premises previously which had got worse. He observed them under a fridge, on the floor and in a wall cavity.

The food operator wrote to the court stating an intention to cease trading but the officer wanted an order in place to ensure they wouldn’t re-open without necessary improvements being made.

Mr Arthur said the problems at all three units posed an “imminent risk to public health” and magistrates granted the orders.

The businesses will have to complete schedules of works to rectify problems and satisfy officers the risk has been removed before they can reopen.