A Southall butcher has been hit with a substantial fine after serious food hygiene failings were uncovered — including evidence of mice and cockroaches at the premises.

Southall Deshi Bazar Ltd, located in the Palace Shopping Centre, was found to have multiple food safety breaches during an inspection in February 2024. Ealing Council officers reported mice and cockroach infestations, raw meat stored at incorrect temperatures, and poor cleanliness standards.

Food was considered unsafe for public consumption, and the shop's food hygiene rating plummeted to zero — the lowest possible. It was later increased to 2 in March 2025, indicating that "some improvement is necessary."

---

Following the investigation, both the company and its director, Mohammed Belal of Argyll Avenue, Southall, appeared at Uxbridge Magistrates' Court on 8 July 2025. They pleaded guilty to several offences, including failing to keep the premises clean and failing to protect food from contamination.

The court ordered Southall Deshi Bazar Ltd to pay a £4,000 fine and £2,827 in court costs, while Mr. Belal was fined £461, with £800 costs and a £184 victim surcharge — bringing the total to over £8,000

The Palace Shopping Centre in Southall was originally the Palace Cinema, a historic venue dating back to the early 20th century. Now a busy indoor market, the building is Grade II listed for its architectural and historical significance. Though repurposed, it still retains elements of its original façade, making it a distinctive landmark in the area.

---

Addressing the serious hygiene breaches uncovered at both the Southall butcher and the Park Royal bakery, Councillor Kamaljit Nagpal, Ealing’s cabinet member for decent living incomes, said:

"These appalling cases again highlight the council’s firm commitment to holding food businesses accountable when they fail to meet hygiene standards and put public safety at risk."

"Fortunately, the majority of food businesses in the borough are responsible and take pride in maintaining clean, safe environments for their customers."

"In rare instances like these, where serious health risks are identified, we will act decisively to protect the public. We have undertaken a record number of food hygiene inspections in recent years."

---

On the same day in court, Sciascia Storey and Co Ltd, a commercial bakery based at Acton Business Centre in Park Royal, was fined over £17,000 after repeated food hygiene breaches, including mouse infestations and failure to maintain cleanliness.

The business, which supplies bread and pastries to restaurants and hotels, was shut down twice by Ealing Council in 2024 due to serious contamination risks.

At Uxbridge Magistrates’ Court, director Julian Sciascia pleaded guilty on behalf of the company to multiple offences, including inadequate pest control and unclean equipment. Although not subject to public food hygiene ratings as a supplier, the bakery is still operating in the borough.