PICS: Which Ravensthorpe takeaway had a cockroach infestation last year?

A cockroach photographed at the Hot Grill restaurant in Ravensthorpe. The infestation has now been resolved.

On 18 January 2018, Farhan Ul-Haque, who operates Hot Grill, Huddersfield Road, Ravensthorpe pleaded guilty to 13 offences relating to food hygiene.

A cockroach infestation and mouse droppings were found at the restaurant, which have now been eradicated.

A statement by Kirklees Council said: "The offences took place on 6 December 2016 and 11 April 2017.

A filthy drain at the Hot Grill restaurant, Ravensthorpe.

"A routine food hygiene inspection was carried out on 6 December 2016 and officers found that the structure, floor and wall surfaces and equipment were all dirty.

"In addition a small number of dead Oriental cockroaches were found in the basement of the takeaway.

"The officers also found that there was no Food Safety Management System in place and there were cross contamination issues.

"Conditions found during this inspection resulted in the premises being issued with a food hygiene rating of 0, and receiving advice on the changes they needed to make and warning that they would continue to be monitored.

The Hot Grill Restaurant, Ravensthorpe. Credit: Google Street View.

"The Food Safety Officers returned to the premises on 11 April 2017, and found an active cockroach infestation and mouse droppings so they issued a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice which closed the premises.

"The premises reopened on 19 April 2017 following evidence that the infestation and mouse droppings had been resolved."

During the trial, Mr Ul-Haque, who pleaded guilty to all offences; indicated to the Magistrates that structural improvements have been made and the premises had been cleaned.

He was fined £500 and asked to pay prosecution costs and a surcharge all of which totalled £2,025.

Filthy conditions at Hot Grill, Ravensthorpe.

Councillor Naheed Mather, Cabinet member for enforcement said: “By prosecuting businesses that continuously fail to comply with the food hygiene regulations we can target those businesses that put profit above the welfare of their customers.

When we eat out we should feel confident that food has been prepared in a hygienic environment. Poor hygiene can lead to serious and sometimes deadly illnesses, so it is fitting that we take legal action combat this whenever possible.

Our inspectors check 1000s of premises each year, and many are rated good or excellent, before trying out a new place I would encourage you to check the scores on the doors website to see how it is rated.”