East London Indian restaurant fined £100,000 over 'uncontrolled' mouse infestation

An Indian restaurant in east London has been fined over £100,000 following an “uncontrolled” mouse infestation in its kitchen.

Hundreds of mouse droppings were found by hygiene inspectors, close to chopping boards, cooking utensils and food items such as lettuce and tins of sardines, during a visit to Le Madison Kitchen in Whitechapel in April last year.

Electrical wires were also found smeared with mouse droppings and appeared to have been used by the rodents to climb up to higher shelves in the popular food spot.

Tower Hamlets Council explained that the company failed to act on the infestation, putting the health and safety of customers and staff at risk.

A notice put on the front of the restaurant last year said: “There is an uncontrolled mouse infestation in the kitchen amounting to an imminent risk to health.”

The restaurant was taken to court earlier this year and later fined £103,922 for five charges plus legal costs in February.

The restaurant’s current website boasts about how reviewers have complimented its hygiene and sanitation, adding “we only use the freshest produce sourced locally and meticulously chosen by our chef himself.”

Le Madison Kitchen offers over 40 dishes and a buffet service for £12.99, according to its website.

Tower Hamlets Councillor Shafi Ahmed, the council’s cabinet member for the environment, said: “Residents and visitors in Tower Hamlets have every right to expect high standards of cleanliness and safety when enjoying a meal out.

“This successful prosecution shows that we will take firm action against any business that fails to meet those standards.

“Food safety is non-negotiable – and when businesses fall short, we won’t hesitate to step in.”