A TAKEAWAY has been shut down by the council after inspectors found rat faeces in the kitchen and fresh poo on work surfaces.

Food safety officers from Reading Borough Council visited Hot Stuff Tandoori on Oxford Road on October 2, following complaints from customers.

Inspectors found evidence of a rat infestation, including a large number of droppings, gnawing and a 'strong smell' near the customer service area.

During the visit, officers found fresh faeces on a work surface which was being used for the preparation of ready-to-eat foods.

A council spokesman said: "Food safety officers decided the findings presented an imminent risk to health for consumers and that the food business operator did not have sufficient controls in place.

"They issued a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice and the takeaway was immediately shut down.

"The council was subsequently granted a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Order and costs totalling £1,072.00.

"The order means that Hot Stuff cannot open until food safety officers are satisfied the premises is free from rats and there is no imminent risk to health."

The case was heard at Reading Magistrates' Court on October 13 and included photographs from the visit.

Sarah Hacker, lead member for Consumer Services, said: “There is no excuse for these kind of breaches of basic food hygiene.

"While the majority of food outlets in Reading are responsible, that was clearly not the case here.

“Public safety remains a priority and business owners need to know we will take action where we receive reports.

“The work of the food safety team at Reading is an example of the sort of essential Council work that goes on behind the scenes to protect the public.

"My congratulations to the team for yet another successful prohibition order.”