The owner was hit with a hefty fine after his takeaway was shut down for the third time. WARNING: Graphic images
The owner of a Chinese takeaway has been banned from operating a food business for four years after an inspection revealed a rodent infestation. WARNING: Graphic images included in this article
Wei Tai Zheng, who manages New Lorens in Walton, was given a total bill of £4,320 – a fine of £2,520 plus costs of £1,800 – after pleading guilty on Thursday, July 24, to nine violations of food safety and hygiene regulations.
The court was informed that when environmental health officers from Liverpool City Council inspected the premises on February 29, they discovered mice and rats, droppings on and under equipment, and on lids containing foodstuffs.
A dead mouse was also found on a glue board in the main kitchen. Don’t miss a court report by signing up to our crime newsletter here
A build-up of food debris and grease was found due to a lack of regular and effective cleaning of surfaces under equipment, providing pests with an easily accessible food source.
There were numerous gaps and holes in the premises which allowed rodents entry points into the establishment.
The conditions were said to be so unsanitary that the shop was immediately closed due to presenting an imminent risk to health, and it was awarded a zero star rating.
During the closure period, a total of nine mice were captured, confirming a high level of rodent activity.
After remedial works were undertaken, a reinspection occurred on March 27 last year and the council agreed it could re-open, reports the Liverpool Echo.
A subsequent inspection in August last year discovered mouse droppings scattered throughout the establishment, including beneath and behind equipment for the second occasion, with traces found on floor surfaces where uncovered food items were kept, alongside a lack of regular and effective surface cleaning.
Chilled food products had exceeded the manufacturers’ ‘use-by’ dates, including packets of raw steak and bacon rashers.
The establishment was immediately closed down once more, and during the shutdown period three mice were discovered.
Following remedial work carried out by the premises, the council returned on September 26 and permitted the takeaway to resume trading once more.
Nevertheless, the latest inspection in March, 2025 resulted in another zero star rating.
After the conviction, the court also issued a hygiene prohibition order preventing Mr Wei Tai Zheng from operating any food business for four years.
District Judge Timothy Boswell remarked that when people ordered food they expected it to taste nice and to be prepared in clean and healthy conditions, observing that the standards fell far below those expected, and were “disgusting”.
Liverpool Council’s cabinet member for environmental health, Councillor Laura Robertson-Collins, said: “This case highlights the importance of our environmental health officers and their work carrying out inspections.
“Poor food hygiene can cause serious illness and is a real risk to public health, so I welcome the decision of the court in banning the owner and handing out a significant fine.”
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