London: An Indian eatery in the North East London has been shut down after health inspectors discovered "overwhelming" smell of rat urine and droppings across its premises, including on food containers.
Hackney Council was granted an emergency order to close Bombay Munch in Dalston district after environmental health inspectors ruled it posed a serious risk to health.
"It is unacceptable for food premises to disregard their duty to protect the health and welfare of their customers," said Cathy Gallagher, Hackney's assistant director of planning.
"We carry out regular inspections across the borough as a matter of course and following reports from the public. If levels of hygiene are found to be below acceptable levels, legal action is taken to ensure that people are kept safe," Gallagher was quoted as saying by the 'Evening Standard'.
An investigation found fresh rat droppings in the eatery room used to store and prepare food while staff used traps to control the spread of vermin.
The officers said they were "overwhelmed" by the smell of rat urine during an inspection and added plastic takeaway containers were contaminated with faeces.
A "heavily gnawed" flour sack was also found on the floor in a food room and droppings were found on shelving.
The council was granted permission on Friday to close the eatery using a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Order at Stratford Magistrates Court.
The eatery will remain shut until work is completed by the officers and it is given a certificate to trade again.
