Swansea Council has shut down a village takeaway after inspectors discovered what they described as a significant rat infestation during a food hygiene visit.
Clydach Tandoori, on Hebron Road in Clydach, was issued with a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice following the inspection on Monday, 18 May — giving the council the power to close the premises immediately on public health grounds.
A notice placed on the window of the Indian takeaway confirmed that an active and significant rodent infestation had been identified at the premises, evidenced by the discovery of a dead rodent and a significant quantity of droppings.
The notice, signed by an environmental health officer, also described the premises as filthy.
A court order has since been granted, giving the council the legal powers to keep Clydach Tandoori closed until the health risk has been fully addressed.
A Swansea Council spokesperson said: “During a recent food hygiene inspection visit, our officers identified a significant rat infestation which prompted the issuing of a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice.”
The spokesperson added that the notice enabled the council to close the premises immediately because of the serious and immediate risk to public health.
The takeaway will not be permitted to reopen until inspectors are satisfied that sufficient improvements have been made to protect anyone consuming food from the premises.
A follow-up inspection will be arranged to assess whether the required changes have been carried out.
Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notices are one of the most serious enforcement tools available to local authority environmental health teams, and can be issued without advance warning where an immediate public health risk is identified.
They are distinct from the routine food hygiene rating system and require a court order to remain in force beyond the initial closure — a step the council has now taken in this case.
Clydach Tandoori has been contacted for comment.
