One of Birmingham’s biggest Chinese restaurants Chung Ying Garden will close down following mice infestation and hygiene inspection.
The Birmingham Mail reports that Chung Ying Garden Cantonese was fined £30,000 for three breaches of food and hygiene regulations at Birmingham Magistrates Court on Thursday.
Failings listed by the court included “finding mouse droppings on the floor in the kitchen and high risk foods being stored at room temperature” when the restaurant was inspected in December 2016.
Four cases of salmonella poisoning at the restaurant were reported by Public Health England ten days before the inspection. Two victims were hospitalised.
James Wong, managing director of Chung Ying Restaurant Group which also owns Chung Ying Cantonese in Wrottesley Street and Chung Ying Central in Colmore Row said, “in light of today’s hearing, Chung Ying Garden will close while we consider an extensive programme of refurbishment at the popular site in Thorp Street. Customer safety is our top priority and we have decided it is time to look afresh at the restaurant, which celebrated its 30th anniversary last year.”
He added, “we accept the findings of the court and are deeply sorry that this situation happened. We apologise unreservedly for any distress this has caused our customers.”
“Unfortunately, we let our high standards drop at Chung Ying Garden during December 2016. We took immediate action as soon as we were notified of the issues and conducted a rigorous internal review of our processes and procedures.”
“This led to the swift implementation of a number of measures, including staff changes and new cleaning rotas. In its most recent inspection by Birmingham City Council, Chung Ying Garden received a food hygiene rating of 4, classified as ‘good.’”
Defending the group at the court, Tim Pole said the inspection was carried out at the busiest time of the year and the salmonella poisoning was not necessarily linked to the restaurant. “To be blunt this might mean the end of this particular business,” he said.
The restaurant group’s two other restaurants Chung Ying Cantonese and Chung Ying Central remain unaffected. Wong clarified, “both restaurants received food hygiene ratings of 4 (“good”) in their latest inspections and our staff are committed to ensuring diners receive the best possible experience at all times.”
