Filthy takeaway infested with cockroaches - both dead and alive - is shut down by shocked hygiene inspectors

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Even hygiene inspectors could barely believe their eyes when they turned up at this takeaway in east London. Dozens of cockroaches - both alive and dead - found littered around a filthy building.

Watham Forest Council carried out a routine inspection of the Indian takeaway 'Spice E4', in Hale End Road in Chingford. Conditions were so bad, inspectors rapidly concluded there was an imminent risk to public health.

Spices found on a plug socket Credit: Waltham Forest Council

Scampering around the kitchen and store room were live ‘German’ cockroaches - several were even found in the cellophane dispenser, some of them dead.

Grease behind the cooker Credit: Waltham Forest Council

Cockroaches could easily access worktops where food was being prepared, some of which held open containers of food.

Filthy work conditions Credit: Waltham Forest Council

Floors, walls, units and equipment were also encrusted with thick deposits of grease and food waste. Holes in walls and floors also provided easy access for the bugs.

Spice E4 in Chingford Credit: Waltham Forest Council

  • Cockroaches can carry food poisoning pathogens such as Salmonella and E-coli

  • They can access waste, toilets and sewers and then physically distribute germs onto food or food preparation surfaces, utensils and equipment

Waltham Forest Council says Spice E4 will remain closed until the risk to the public is removed.