A catalogue of failings including rodent infestation and poor cleanliness led inspectors to deem the businesses an imminent risk to public health
A LIMITED company and its food business operator have been ordered to pay more than £22,000 after serious food hygiene offences were uncovered at a takeaway and restaurant in Canton.
JS Local Ltd, which operates Rasathi Sri Lankan Takeaway and Chennai Dosa, was fined a total of £22,549 following a prosecution brought by Shared Regulatory Services (SRS). The case was heard at Cardiff Magistrates’ Court on December 15.
Environmental Health Officers found widespread and persistent food safety failures at both premises during inspections carried out between September and December 2024, with conditions deemed to present an imminent risk to public health. As a result, both businesses were voluntarily closed by the operator.
Inspections revealed evidence of rodent infestation, poor levels of cleanliness and serious shortcomings in food safety management. Officers reported finding mouse droppings in food preparation areas, dirty equipment, unrefrigerated food and inadequate food storage practices.
Rasathi Sri Lankan Takeaway, which had two directors, Jerurasa Senjoansrajah and Saromina Senjoansrajah, failed to provide basic food safety documentation when inspected on September 4. Requests for pest control records, allergy information and staff training certificates went unanswered. By December, the premises had been converted into food storage for Chennai Dosa.
Further visits in December uncovered continuing pest activity and hygiene issues at Chennai Dosa, an Indian restaurant with Jerurasa Senjoansrajah listed as its sole director. Although a closure notice was lifted on December 6 following pest proofing and deep cleaning, inspectors found that problems persisted. This led to formal enforcement action under the Prevention of Damage by Pests Act 1949.
Following enforcement action, Saromina Senjoansrajah resigned as a director of Rasathi Sri Lankan Takeaway, leaving her husband as the sole food business operator for both premises.
Commenting on the case, Cllr Norma Mackie, Cardiff Council’s cabinet member responsible for Shared Regulatory Services, said the conditions found posed a clear and immediate danger to customers.
She said: “Basic requirements such as effective pest control, thorough cleaning and robust food safety management were not in place. The prosecution was necessary and proportionate given the seriousness and persistence of the offences.
“We will continue to take firm action against any food business that poses a threat to public health. Businesses handling high-risk foods must have effective pest control, robust cleaning schedules and a documented food safety management system. Failure to meet these standards endangers customers and will lead to enforcement action.”
The court fined JS Local Ltd £16,080 and ordered the company to pay £1,084 in costs. Food business operator Jerurasa Senjoansrajah was fined £3,072, ordered to pay £1,084 in costs and issued with a £1,229 victim surcharge.
