Longstanding W12 Chinese Takeaway Closed by Hygiene Inspectors
Mouse and cockroach infestation hits New Sweet N Sour
New Sweet N Sour on Uxbidge Road. Picture: Google Streetview
June 29, 2023
A Chinese takeaway that’s been open in Shepherd’s Bush for 30 years had to shut its doors for several days after inspectors uncovered a mouse and cockroach infestation.
New Sweet N Sour at 93 Uxbridge Road agreed to close on 30 January after being handed a zero food hygiene rating, according to a report seen by the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS). The restaurant was allowed to reopen four days later after calling in pest controllers to deal with the cockroach infestation, it has been revealed, despite an inspector saying mice were still an issue.
The full food hygiene report including photos, obtained through a Freedom of Information (FoI) request, appear to show cockroaches and mice droppings in the kitchen as well as food being left uncovered in a storage area.
One photo shows what appears to be a storage area with loose tomatoes sitting among piles of clutter, boxes, bicycles and a suitcase. It is unclear which part of the restaurant the photos were taken in and what the room is usually used for.
The report also claimed food was being stored in faulty freezer, leading to it thawing and having to be thrown away.
Photo from the inspectors' report showing cockroaches at the premises
Hammersmith and Fulham Council health inspectors expressed concern about the lack of labelling on foods and the designated bench space to handle raw meat and poultry.
They also claimed there was “no safe method” for the cooking and cooling of rice, which had been left out at room temperature.
In a scathing note, inspectors said, “You were not carrying out any monitoring checks on your fridges or of your hot food. When I asked to see your probe thermometer staff was unable to find it suggesting that it was not in regular use.
“Monitoring the temperatures of your food/equipment enables you to show that you have analysed the risks associated with your business and have put control measures in place.”
Health inspectors claimed the Shepherd’s Bush take-out, which has served the area for 30 years according to its website, lacked a proper food safety system and had barely used a guide given to staff.
They wrote, “During the inspection I asked to see your food safety management system. I was shown a copy of Safer Food Better Business (Chinese language pack). It was clear to me that the pack was not in regular use and that no monitoring of safe methods, opening or closing checks or review was taking place.
“This means that you/the company has failed to comply with the legal requirement to implement and adhere to a suitable Food Safety Management System of the food operation at your premises.”
They also claimed there was no evidence any of the handlers had the appropriate and up-to-date food hygiene training and accused staff of using a domestic detergent to clean food surfaces and equipment.
Inspectors wrote, “This is unsatisfactory, as it will not reduce bacteria to a safe level. The bacteria must be destroyed to prevent food poisoning and cross- contamination.”
When inspectors returned on 3 February, they praised attempts to rid the basement of cockroaches and allowed the restaurant to reopen despite telling them they still had a mouse infestation.
They wrote, “Droppings were observed in the rear kitchen area and in the dry store at the time of my re-visit. The area under the kitchen shelving in the back corner must be completely cleared to allow identification of the access point and proofing methods must be employed.
“The dry store needs to be emptied and thoroughly cleaned to allow for a full survey to be carried out. Mice can hide in cracks, pipe ducts, electric motors, behind skirting and stores etc. Remove any obsolete equipment. Keep the floor clear of items to make cleaning easier and to identify evidence of mice activity (i.e. mouse droppings) more readily.”
Inspectors urged New Sweet N Sour to carry out deep cleans more regularly and to block off any access points for mice and cockroaches.
The report read, “The grease and dirt which has built up on the pipes below the sink and on the wheels of moveable equipment must be removed as this can act as a food source to pests. Touch points such as door handles and plug sockets were very dirty and need to be cleaned and sanitised.”
Separate to the council hygiene report, in a Google review posted online, a customer said he noticed mice running around the back of the restaurant.
Dylan G left a Google review two months ago saying: “I also saw a mouse running around in the back. Place should be shut down, will never see me there again.”
Despite the negative feedback, the restaurant is still popular among residents.
Jackie M wrote on Yelp in April: “This was definitely the best Chinese food I’ve had in a long time, definitely a hidden gem!”
New Sweet N Sour were contacted multiple times to respond to the findings in the hygiene report but did not provide one by the time of publication.
Adrian Zorzut - Local Democracy Reporter