A grocery store in Broadgreen, India Bazzar, has been temporarily closed by Swindon Borough Council’s Environmental Health team following the discovery of a substantial rat infestation during a routine food hygiene inspection.
Magistrates issued an emergency prohibition order on Tuesday, 28th November, extending the closure until council officers are satisfied that it is safe to reopen. The inspection, conducted on 2nd November, revealed alarming conditions, leading to immediate closure measures.
During the inspection, council officers observed large quantities of rat droppings on the floor and shelving, alongside evidence of gnawed food items, including ready-to-eat foods like biscuits, pastries, salt, and peanuts. The severity of the infestation became apparent as officers found a bag of flour on display stained with rat urine.
The court heard that bags of food, visibly gnawed and taped over, were being placed back on the shelves for sale. Recognising the clear signs of an infestation, officers served a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice, officially closing the business.
The environmental health team, with 24 years of experience, described it as the worst rat infestation encountered in their career.
Kumaravelu Muthu, the sole director of India Bazzar (PVT) Ltd, acknowledged attempts to control the infestation using rat grain bait and block bait. However, he admitted not having a pest control contract.
Prosecuting solicitor Daryl Bigwood detailed a follow-up visit, where pest-proofing works had been undertaken, and a pest controller engaged in a five-day treatment plan. Despite these efforts, rats were still found on the last day. An annual pest control contract has now been arranged, and the business is awaiting further checks.
Magistrates issued a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Order, allowing the Council to keep the shop closed until safety standards are met. The business must apply in writing to reopen. Mr Muthu was directed to pay the Council’s costs of £2,000.
Councillor Jim Grant, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Joint Working and Communities, said: “Our food hygiene team carries out hundreds of inspections each year and in the vast majority of cases they find businesses are meeting the required standards.
“They do, though, come across cases like this from time to time where they need to take immediate action to protect the health and safety of customers.
“This was one of the worst rat infestations our long-standing officer had seen and I am pleased magistrates extended the closure so the owner of the business can get this situation under control and ensure it never happens again.
“With the weather getting colder, now is the time where rats look to find food and warmer conditions and this is where infestations can take hold. It is incredibly important that all businesses have the appropriate pest control checks in place so we do not see situations like this in future.”
