Rat droppings were found throughout the business, including in food storage and preparation areas, while gnawed on bags of breading flour were found in the storeroom
A rat-infested KFC in Leytonstone has been fined nearly £25,000 because of a “rat infestation”.
The hefty fine comes after the Leytonstone High Road branch was closed down by Waltham Forest Council officers on a visit back in 2022.
In their checks on the franchise, the officers also reported very poor levels of hygiene where the food was being stored, prepared and cooked.
Rat droppings were found throughout the business, including in food storage and preparation areas, while gnawed on bags of breading flour were found in the storeroom.
The franchisee, Triple D Limited, and one of its directors, Abdul Daroowala were each prosecuted on two counts of failing to put in place adequate procedures to control pests and poor levels of cleanliness.
Both pleaded guilty to the charges at Thames Magistrates’ Court in October 2023.
Speaking for the defence at the sentencing hearing on Tuesday 12th March, Jonathan Underhill, of Stephenson’s Solicitors LLP, said that systems were in place to deal with infestations and cleanliness but they were not functioning correctly.
Triple D Limited was fined £22,000 for both offences plus £2,339 in costs. Mr Daroowala was fined £1,115 plus a victim surcharge of £446.
The fine comes after the Leytonstone High Road McDonald’s was fined £475,000 after mouse droppings were discovered in a cheeseburger wrapper in May last year.
Khevyn Limbajee, council cabinet member for community safety said: “For a franchise under the brand of KFC this was a terrible breach of trust.
“With so many people ordering their food online these days they would have no idea what the state of the kitchens were like.
“We are pleased the magistrates have sent a clear message by issuing a significant fine. Waltham Forest Council will always act to protect the health of the public and prosecute food businesses where evidence identifies breaches of food safety laws.”
A KFC UK&I spokesman said: “Operating responsibly is our number one priority and we have strict processes in place to ensure the quality and hygiene standards of all our restaurants.
“This fine relates to an incident in 2022, after which the restaurant was closed on a short term basis.
“Since then, the restaurant team has worked hard with local authorities on vital improvements, and has had a four-star hygiene rating since 2023.”
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