A branch of KFC was closed on the spot after rats were found living in the kitchen.
Large droppings, gnawed bags of flour and extremely poor levels of hygiene were discovered in areas where food was being stored, prepped and cooked.
Inspectors were so horrified they found the restaurant in Leytonstone, East London, posed an imminent risk to health.
Franchise owner Triple D Limited and director have now been fined £25,000 after admitting he didn’t have adequate procedures in place and poor cleanliness.
The KFC was closed with immediate effect in August 2022 following a visit by inspectors from Waltham Forest Council.
Councillor Khevyn Limbajee said: ‘For a franchise under the brand of KFC this was a terrible breach of trust.
‘With so many people ordering their food online these days they would have no idea what the state of the kitchens were like.
‘We are pleased the magistrates have sent a clear message by issuing a significant fine.
‘Waltham Forest Council will always act to protect the health of the public and prosecute food businesses where evidence identifies breaches of food safety laws.’
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Robert Johnson is a UK-based business writer specializing in finance and entrepreneurship. With an eye for market trends and a keen interest in the corporate world, he offers readers valuable insights into business developments.