Rats, nastiness force closure of cookshops

Rodent infestation has been listed as a primary reason for the closure of some food establishments in Hanover.

The Hanover Health Department recently ordered the closure of seven food establishments in the parish after they were found to have breached the Public Health Regulation Act of 1998.

Dr Kaushal Singh, the acting medical officer of health, provided the Hanover Municipal Corporation with a report which indicated the primary reasons for closing the establishments.

The reasons included rodent infestation, no valid food handler's permit, equipment, including machinery and utensils, not being maintained in a sanitary condition, general unsanitary conditions, and operating without a valid public health certificate.

The seven establishments that were close represent approximately 44 per cent of the 16 food establishments that were inspected last month as part of the health department's stepped-up surveillance activities throughout the parish.