Rio Lounge, a South Indian restaurant in East Croydon, has reopened after being temporarily shut down in July following an inspection that uncovered a severe mouse infestation and expired food. The restaurant, located at 162-164 Cherry Orchard Road, was allowed to resume operations on July 28 after Croydon Council reviewed three consecutive reports from its pest control contractor, which found no further evidence of mouse activity.
Inspection findings and immediate closure
The closure came after an inspection on July 4, during which officials gave Rio Lounge the lowest possible food hygiene rating of 0. Inspectors found fridges and fridge doors heavily filled with food, debris, and mould, as well as expired food with a labelled date of May 22—43 days before the inspection. Mouse droppings were discovered around the premises, indicating what inspectors described as a “significant infestation.”
Ventilation filters were noted as heavily greasy, with oil running down the extraction system. The back external area was poorly maintained, with the back door left open and rubbish accumulating, which inspectors said increased the risk of pests entering the premises. The wash hand basin was dirty and contaminated with food and debris, and the floor surface was cracked in several areas, filled with food debris that prevented effective cleaning.
Official report and required actions
In the official inspection report, officials stated: “The level of infestation present represents a significant risk of contamination of food, food contact surfaces, equipment and the premises.” Following the inspection, all food was disposed of, and the restaurant was required to undertake a thorough deep clean and have the premises reinspected. Structural defects had to be addressed to prevent future pest ingress, and staff were instructed to undertake refresher courses in food hygiene.
Rio Lounge voluntarily closed after the inspection due to what Croydon Council described as an “immediate risk to public health.” The council allowed the restaurant to reopen on July 28 after reviewing three consecutive reports from its pest control contractor, which found no further evidence of mouse activity. Croydon added that officers carried out several follow-up visits during the closure to ensure the restaurant remained closed and was not serving food to the public.
Restaurant's response and council statement
On its website, Rio Lounge states: “Our commitment to hygiene is unwavering. We adhere to the highest standards of cleanliness and food safety, ensuring that every dish is prepared in a spotless environment. Our ingredients are sourced from trusted suppliers, and we follow strict protocols to maintain freshness and quality, giving you peace of mind with every bite.” This statement predates the recent inspection.
A Croydon Council spokesperson told the LDRS: “Although our officers have not carried out any further inspections since the restaurant reopened, the business would now be visited as part of our normal programme of inspections alongside other food businesses. Protecting public health is a priority for the council, and we take a zero-tolerance approach to businesses that put residents at risk. Our food safety team works with businesses to help them meet hygiene standards, while prioritising inspections and taking enforcement action where necessary.”
Rio Lounge, which opened in 2024, has not yet been re-rated by inspectors, and the council has confirmed that future inspections will occur as part of its standard schedule for food businesses.
