THE owners of a Middlesbrough restaurant have been fined over serious hygiene breaches which put public health at risk.

Middlesbrough Council Environmental Health officers found widespread evidence of a serious mouse, rat and insect infestation and poor standards of cleanliness during a routine inspection of A Bite of China in Borough Road.

JC Chinese Catering Limited, which owns the Restaurant, was fined £5,332 and ordered to pay £946 towards the Council’s costs, plus a £170 victim surcharge.

The inspectors found filthy surfaces, grease on the floor and a damaged ceiling.

The council’s head of public protection Judith Hedgley said: “Nearly all Middlesbrough food businesses have good or excellent standards. However, we do have a handful of food businesses in Middlesbrough where officers are having to spend a large amount of time taking legal action to make sure the public are protected.

“The substantial fine issued by the Court should act as a reminder to food businesses that there are financial consequences, as well as the loss of business, if they do not meet basic hygiene standards.”

Anyone running a food business in Middlesbrough who would like more information on the advice and support sessions please email the Environmental Health Team at EHTS@middlesbrough.gov.uk with their business and contact details.