Local butchers closed by Merton Council due to public health risk 

· by · in Enforcement. ·
Hammad Ali Halal Meat shop in Mitcham.
Hammad Ali Halal Meat shop in Mitcham

A butcher shop was closed by Merton Council following a hearing at Wimbledon Magistrates Court. 

Hammad Ali Halal Meat Ltd at 70 Monarch Parade, London Road, in Mitcham was temporarily closed by Environmental Health Officers on 6 August after a routine food safety inspection revealed a significant infestation of German cockroaches and mice throughout the premises as well as poor hygiene practices. 

Due to the serious risk to public health, a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice was served, closing the premises with immediate effect. The shop had to remain closed until council officers were satisfied that there are no more health risks to the public.

Councillor Eleanor Stringer, Cabinet Member for Civic Pride said:  

“The conditions found at the butcher shop are unacceptable and will not be tolerated. We are dedicated to ensuring that all local businesses uphold the highest standards of hygiene and food safety, and we will continue to act when public health is at risk in our borough.” 

The officers found a widespread infestation of both nymph and adult cockroaches in numerous places, including on food packaging. Additionally, there was an extensive mice infestation, with droppings found on shelves and packaged food. Inspectors also noted the absence of disinfectant necessary for proper cleaning, a lack of hand washing facilities in the butchery area and storing ready-to-eat foods alongside raw meat in the chiller. 

  • Mice droppings on the food packaging.
    Mice droppings on the food packaging.
  • Cockroach on a trap.
    Cockroach on a trap that was laid during the inspection.
  • Tomatoes in a bag beside raw meat packaging
    Ready to eat tomatoes stored next to raw meat.
  • Mice droppings on shelf beside food packaging
    Mice droppings on a shelf behind packaged food.

The shop is now open after council officers were satisfied that the health risks had been removed. It was thoroughly disinfected and a professional pest control contractor was hired to remove the infestation, and put in measures to prevent pests from returning. Council officers will continue to regularly inspect the business to ensure it maintains good hygiene practices.