A KFC A branch got a £25,000 fine for having rats in the kitchen.
Health inspectors found a large rat hole, droppings and gnawed bags of flour at the store, in Leytonstone, East London.
The restaurant was immediately closed because it posed a health risk after a visit by Waltham Forest Council in August 2022.
The officers observed very low levels of cleanliness in the areas where the food was kept, prepared, and cooked.
Triple D Limited, the franchisee, and one of its directors, Abdul Daroowala, admitted to not having proper procedures to control pests and for having poor cleanliness in October 2023.
The company got fined £22,000 for both offences plus £2,339 in costs. Daroowala was fined £1,115 plus a victim surcharge of £446.
Cllr Khevyn Limbajee, Cabinet Member for Community Safety at Waltham Forest Council, said: ‘This was a bad breach of trust for a KFC franchise.
‘With many people ordering food online these days, they would have no idea about the condition of the kitchens.
‘We are glad that the magistrates sent a strong message by giving a significant fine.
‘Waltham Forest Council will always take action to protect public health and prosecute food businesses for breaking food safety laws.’
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