Restaurant Owner Hit with Nearly £6,000 Fine for Severe Hygiene Failures
A restaurant operator in Lewisham has been ordered to pay almost £6,000 in costs after multiple inspections revealed shocking evidence of mice and cockroaches on the premises. The case highlights serious breaches of food safety regulations that put public health at risk.
Repeated Violations and Failed Compliance
Vietnam Street Food Limited, which operated Pho Na at 899 Old Kent Road from April 2023, was subjected to several inspections by Lewisham Council’s Food and Safety team. During initial visits, inspectors identified significant hygiene concerns, including inadequate pest control measures and a complete absence of food traceability records for products of animal origin.
When officers returned to check for improvements, they discovered clear evidence of mice activity within the kitchen area. A subsequent inspection uncovered the presence of cockroaches, confirming that the business had failed to implement even basic protective measures to safeguard customers from health hazards.
Legal Proceedings and Court Order
Despite receiving formal warnings and a Hygiene Improvement Notice, conditions at the restaurant continued to deteriorate. Mr Quoc Vuong Nguyen, the former director of Vietnam Street Food Limited, admitted to five separate offences under food safety regulations at Bromley Magistrates’ Court.
Mr Nguyen pleaded guilty to multiple violations, including failure to comply with the Hygiene Improvement Notice, failure to provide traceability information for animal-origin products, and failure to establish effective pest control procedures. The court imposed a Hygiene Prohibition Order, banning him from operating any food business anywhere in the country.
Strong Message from Local Authorities
Cabinet Member for Business, Jobs and Skills, Councillor Ese Erheriene, emphasized the importance of this prosecution. "This case sends a very clear message that we will not tolerate food businesses showing flagrant disregard for public safety," she stated.
"Officers found mice and cockroaches in this establishment—a business that repeatedly ignored both legal requirements and professional advice from our Food and Safety team. This action serves as a strong deterrent to rogue operators while encouraging all food businesses to take their responsibilities seriously, from proper pest management to maintaining accurate food sourcing records. Our residents deserve assurance that the food they purchase is safe, and we will take robust action whenever businesses endanger customers."
New Business on the Premises
Following the closure of Pho Na, a new food business has opened at 899 Old Kent Road under completely different ownership. The premises have been thoroughly cleaned and brought up to standard, offering local residents a fresh dining option free from the previous hygiene concerns.
