Two food businesses in Cardiff were forced to close after environmental health officers identified conditions described as posing an 'imminent risk to public health'.
According to BBC, Rasathi Sri Lankan Takeaway and Chennai Dosa, both located in Canton and owned by JS Local Ltd, were found to have committed serious failings in food safety management following inspections carried out in September and December 2024.
Cardiff Magistrates’ Court heard that inspectors discovered widespread rodent activity, poor hygiene standards and unsafe food storage practices across both premises. As a result, the company and its operator and director, Jerurasa Senjoansrajah, were fined a total of £22,549 at a hearing held on Monday.
Serious food safety breaches identified
During an inspection on September 4, 2024, environmental health officers requested basic food safety documentation from Rasathi Sri Lankan Takeaway, including pest control records, allergy information and staff training certificates. No documentation was provided.
By December 4, the site had been repurposed as a food storage facility for Chennai Dosa. Inspectors reported finding mouse droppings in food preparation areas, dirty equipment, unrefrigerated food and generally poor levels of cleanliness.
Raw meat and uncovered food containers were found stored on shelves inside the walk-in refrigerator, while the body of a dead mouse was discovered on the kitchen floor. Additional evidence of rodent activity was identified among stacked plastic food containers.
Both businesses were voluntarily closed after Cardiff Council’s environmental health officers deemed the conditions to present a serious public health risk.
Enforcement action and court outcome
A closure notice issued for the site was briefly lifted on Friday, December 6, following deep cleaning and pest-proofing works. However, inspectors said poor food storage practices and signs of ongoing pest activity continued, prompting further enforcement action.
Rasathi Sri Lankan Takeaway had been operated by two directors, husband and wife Jerurasa and Saromina Senjoansrajah. Jerurasa was also listed as director of Chennai Dosa. Following the enforcement action, Saromina resigned as a director, leaving Jerurasa as the sole food business operator.
JS Local Ltd was fined £16,080 and ordered to pay £1,084 in costs. Jerurasa was personally fined £3,072, ordered to pay £1,084 in costs and a £1,229 victim surcharge.
Council warning to food businesses
Councillor Norma Mackie, cabinet member responsible for shared regulatory services at Cardiff Council, said the conditions identified at both sites were unacceptable.
She said: “Basic requirements – such as effective pest control, thorough cleaning, and robust food safety management – were not in place.
“The conditions posed a clear and immediate risk to the public. Businesses handling high-risk foods, including rice, chicken, mutton, fish and eggs, must have effective pest control, robust cleaning and disinfection schedules, and a documented food safety management system.
“Failure to meet these standards endangers customers and will lead to enforcement action.”
The council reiterated that food safety compliance remains a legal requirement for all hospitality businesses operating in the city.
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