MICE, filthy conditions and poor standards of personal hygiene landed owners of a Chinese restaurant with a £32,000 fine.

Owners of Middlesbrough eatery Hot Wok were accused of endangering public health and handed a huge fine at Teesside Magistrates Court this week.

The Northern Echo:

HOT WOK: Restaurant was shut down

Last November, the restaurant – popular with students - was closed down immediately after Environmental Health inspectors found shocking standards of cleanliness and evidence of a widespread mouse infestation.

Hot Wok, on Linthorpe Road, was not allowed to re-open until officers could be satisfied that pest treatment and prevention measures had been taken and the eatery thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.

It eventually re-opened but follow-up visits in February and June found that conditions had deteriorated again, leading to the premises being closed down with immediate effect.

The Northern Echo:

On Tuesday, a representative for the company Smile Z & W Limited – operators of the restaurant – appeared before Teesside Magistrates Court.

They pleaded guilty to 11 offences including failure to ensure there were adequate pest control procedures in place and failure to keep premises and equipment clean and maintained.

They also admitted not doing enough to ensure food was protected from contamination.

Magistrates said food outlets had a duty to maintain the highest standards and that they took businesses endangering public health “very seriously”.

The Northern Echo:

The company was fined £48,000 which was reduced to £32,000 due to an early guilty plea. It was also ordered to pay £1,188 in costs and a £170 victim surcharge.

Judith Hedgley, Middlesbrough Council’s Head of Public Protection, said: “This food business has been given every opportunity to improve its hygiene standards.

“However, despite a number of visits and a previous warning they failed to operate their business to the required standards.

“Rodents carry disease and their presence in any food business creates a serious health risk.

“Food businesses must make sure that their premises are kept clean and free from pests at all times.”

The Northern Echo:

Councillor Julia Rostron, Middlesbrough Council’s Executive Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health, said: “The safety of the public is paramount, and our Environmental Health Officers work closely with food businesses to ensure good standards are maintained.

“The vast majority of food businesses in Middlesbrough are well managed, operated hygienically and achieve the top food hygiene rating.

“However, where poor standards of hygiene are found in any food business in Middlesbrough, they must take prompt enforcement action and this could also lead to a prosecution and substantial penalties.”