Croydon Council Takes Action Against Pest Infestations in Local Food Businesses
In a significant move to protect public health, Croydon Council has temporarily shut down five food establishments across the borough due to severe pest infestations. The closures, which occurred in various locations including South Croydon, Thornton Heath, Selsdon, East Croydon, and Coulsdon, were enforced after unannounced inspections revealed cockroaches, rats, and mice in food preparation and storage areas.
Mayor's Firm Approach to Food Safety
Croydon Mayor Jason Perry has emphasised a zero-tolerance policy towards unsafe food practices. The council's food safety officers have conducted nearly 700 surprise visits to takeaways, restaurants, pubs, and corner shops since April 2024 as part of this rigorous approach.
Mayor Perry stated: "Keeping residents safe is one of the most important responsibilities of this council, and our food safety officers are out every week inspecting premises across the borough. Where businesses break the law and put public health at risk, we will act firmly and without hesitation."
He added: "There is zero-tolerance for unsafe food practices in Croydon. If serious risks such as pest infestations are identified, we will not hesitate to close premises until problems are properly addressed."
Details of the Closed Businesses
The five businesses ordered to close and pay council costs are:
- Raggio Di Sole at 62 Southbridge Road, South Croydon: Closed due to a mouse infestation throughout the premises, with costs of £1,314.53.
- Lifegrace Bookshop and Groceries/Tolis Food Takeaway at 80 Parchmore Road, Thornton Heath: Shut for a cockroach infestation in the shop, food preparation, and storage rooms, incurring costs of £1,423.93.
- Chicago Pizza, Kebab and Burgers at 206b Addington Road, Selsdon: Closed over a serious rat infestation in food preparation, serving, and storage areas, with costs of £1,408.47.
- The Orchard Public House at 112 Cherry Orchard Road, Croydon: Shut on two separate occasions due to a mouse infestation in the kitchen, bar, and cellar, resulting in costs of £2,383.12.
- Catch Star Chippy at 85 Stoats Nest Road, Coulsdon: Closed for an active cockroach infestation throughout the premises, with costs of £1,382.93.
Recent History of Hygiene Enforcement
These closures follow similar actions taken earlier in the year. In May, two other food outlets were shut down: Colombo Express at 255 London Road for mouse infestations and Asafo at 313 Whitehorse Road in Selhurst for cockroach issues.
Asafo reported that pest control visited the premises more than four times after the emergency closure to address the infestations, and they were allowed to reopen the following month.
The council's ongoing efforts highlight a commitment to maintaining high food hygiene standards and safeguarding the health of Croydon residents.
