A company director has been ordered to pay more than £8000 for breaching food hygiene regulations following an investigation by Ealing Council.

Mr Nuh Sheikh, 61, director of Dahab Grocery Limited, at Featherstone Road, Southall, pleaded guilty to six charges at Ealing Magistrates Court on 25 May 2012.

Mr Sheikh was fined a £1000 for each offence, and was ordered to pay £2537.65 in prosecution costs and a victim surcharge of £15, totalling £8552.65.

Dahab Grocery Limited was visited by Ealing Council’s food hygiene inspectors last November. The premises had been sub-divided into a retail shop, butchers and cafe.

Inspectors found evidence of rat and mouse infestations, outdated cleaning and temperature logs, no evidence of hygiene training for the food handler and general filth throughout the entire premises.

Councillor Ranjit Dheer, cabinet member for community services and safety, said: "Our food safety laws are in place to protect the health of the public and violating these is a very serious offence. We will continue to do everything in our power to make sure these rules are followed."

Mr Sheikh had been in business for seven years, with no prior history of infringements. Following a second visit from the inspectors in November 2011, the business’ hygiene and food handling standards had improved and the premises was allowed to re-open.

Anyone who is concerned that a business is breaching food hygiene regulations should email foodsafety@ealing.gov.uk or call 020 8825 6666.