Lek Thai Restaurant prosecuted for food hygiene offences

The owner of Lek Thai Restaurant appeared at Great Yarmouth Magistrates Court on 6 February 2024 and was fined £15,000, with an additional £2,000 for victim surcharge costs and £1,827.74 costs.

The company, Seetrang Ltd, pleaded guilty to five charges in relation to a lack of cleaning, failing to protect food from contamination of cockroaches, inadequate pest control, poor ceiling structure and failure to put in place procedures to manage food safety.

The court heard that following a complaint, the council's Environmental Health Officers carried out an unannounced visit on Thursday 17 November 2022. Environmental Health Officers found a widespread cockroach infestation throughout the premises including the food preparation area, bar and storerooms.

The restaurant kitchen and back storage area were in a poor state of cleanliness. Flooring and equipment were covered with congealed, greasy deposits, debris and there were an extensive number of dead cockroaches on the floor and on equipment.

The ceiling had a large hole exposing electrical wiring and insulation.  Officers served a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice requiring the business to close immediately. The business was closed for 10 days until the infestation was controlled, and cleaning completed.

Since re-opening further inspections have been carried out by officers and they have noted a marked improvement in hygiene standards and the business received a Food Hygiene Rating of 3.

Cllr Paul Wells, Portfolio Holder for Environment and Sustainability, Licensing and Waste said: "Great Yarmouth has many excellent food businesses that work hard to meet the required standards of food hygiene, however there are unfortunately some occasions where some businesses fall short of the standards required. Food premises that fail to follow proper hygiene procedures are putting public health at risk, and Great Yarmouth Borough will not hesitate in taking action against those that break the law. I hope that the action we have taken will send out a clear message to all businesses of the need to operate hygienically and the Council's commitment to protecting residents." 

Our Environmental Health team are always willing to offer advice and support to food businesses on their responsibilities for ensuring food safety. Food business operators are welcome to contact the Commercial Team on 01493 846478, or email health@great-yarmouth.gov.uk. Customers looking for somewhere to eat out can look at the Food Standards website, www.food.gov.uk, to check the Food Hygiene Rating given to a food business.