A Huyton takeaway owner has been ordered to pay over £4,000 in fines and costs after environmental health inspectors discovered evidence of rat activity within the restaurant's kitchen and storage areas. The business also lacked a proper food safety management system.
Key Takeaways
- Mei Ling Wang, former director of Star Noodle, pleaded guilty to six food safety breaches.
- Inspectors found dirty premises and evidence of rat activity in November 2024.
- The takeaway voluntarily closed until health risks were addressed.
- Ms Wang was fined £983 and ordered to pay £2,744.60 in council costs.
- New owners of Star Noodle, as of July 2025, are not involved in this prosecution.
Court Proceedings and Guilty Plea
Mei Ling Wang, identified as a director of the company that previously operated Star Noodle in Huyton Village, appeared at Liverpool Magistrates Court. She pleaded guilty on October 2 to six separate charges related to breaches of food safety regulations.
The charges stemmed from her negligence as a company director. The court imposed a fine and ordered her to cover council costs, totaling more than £4,000.
Financial Penalties
- Initial fine: £1,382
- Reduced fine (due to guilty plea): £983
- Council costs: £2,744.60
- Total payment: £3,727.60
Environmental Health Investigation
Knowsley Council's environmental health service initiated an investigation following a visit to Star Noodle on November 20, 2024. During this inspection, officers made several critical observations regarding the state of the premises.
They reported that both the takeaway's facilities and its equipment were "very dirty." More significantly, inspectors found clear "evidence of rat activity" present in the kitchen and various storage rooms.
"We will continue to identify and take action against any businesses who breaches food safety legislation. It’s there to protect the public and it’s our responsibility to enforce it."
Immediate Closure and Subsequent Findings
Following the inspection, the owner of Star Noodle made a voluntary decision to close the establishment. This closure remained in effect until environmental health officers were satisfied that the premises no longer posed a risk to public health.
Further investigation by the officers revealed that appropriate measures to control pests had not been implemented. Additionally, the building itself had not been maintained adequately to prevent rodents from entering the takeaway.
Food Safety Regulations
Food safety regulations are designed to protect public health by ensuring that food businesses operate hygienically. These regulations cover various aspects, including pest control, cleanliness of premises and equipment, and the implementation of robust food safety management systems. Businesses failing to comply can face legal action, fines, and closure.
Impact on Public Safety
The presence of pests like rats in food preparation areas represents a significant public health risk. Rodents can carry and transmit various diseases, contaminate food with their droppings and urine, and cause damage to property.
The failure to manage food safety systems means there was no structured approach to identifying and controlling potential hazards. This oversight left customers vulnerable to potential health issues.
Council's Stance on Enforcement
Councillor Shelley Powell, Knowsley Council's Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods, emphasized the council's commitment to upholding food safety standards. Her statement highlighted the protective role of these regulations for the public.
The council views the enforcement of food safety legislation as a core responsibility. This prosecution serves as a reminder to all food businesses about the serious consequences of non-compliance.
Change of Ownership
It is important to note that Star Noodle underwent a change of ownership in July 2025. The current owners of the takeaway are not connected to this prosecution or the events that led to the legal action against Mei Ling Wang.
This legal process specifically targeted the company director responsible for the business's operations at the time of the environmental health inspection in November 2024.
- November 20, 2024: Environmental health inspection at Star Noodle.
- July 2025: Star Noodle changes ownership.
- October 2, 2025: Mei Ling Wang pleads guilty in court.
Knowsley Council continues to monitor food establishments across the borough to ensure they meet hygiene and safety standards. Businesses are regularly inspected, and enforcement action is taken where necessary to safeguard consumers.