Gillingham takeaway fined for mouldy food and mouse droppings Published duration 10 April 2015

image copyright Medway Council image caption Mouldy tomato puree was being used for pizza toppings

A takeaway in Kent has been fined nearly £15,000 after environmental health inspectors found mouldy pizza toppings and a mice infestation.

Pizza Plus Fried Chicken, in High Street, Gillingham, was immediately closed following the inspection in January but later reopened.

Its owner, Kunararatnam Kunanathan, 36, of Catford, admitted seven offences under food safety regulations.

Inspectors found pizza boxes contaminated with mouse droppings.

image copyright Medway Council image caption Mouse droppings were found throught out the takeaway

image copyright Medway Council image caption Food preparation areas were declared unfit for use

Mouldy tomato puree was being used for pizza toppings at the time of the inspection by Medway Council.

Environmental health inspectors also found filthy food preparation areas.

Mr Kunanathan appeared before Medway Magistrates' Court on 7 April and was fined £14,500 and ordered to pay £2,793 in costs.

After it was allowed to reopen by inspectors, the takeaway was closed for good by its owner.