A Limited Company and food operator have been ordered to pay £22,549 after a catalogue of failings were identified at a restaurant and a takeaway in Canton.
The inspections that took place by Environmental Health Officers from Shared Regulatory Services deemed both businesses as an imminent risk to public health.
Rasathi Sri Lankan Takeaway and Chennai Dosa – two separate food businesses in Canton – are both owned and operated by the same company, JS Local Ltd. Rasathi Sri Lankan Takeaway has two directors, Jerurasa Senjoansrajah and Saromina Senjoansrajah, while Chennai Dosa, an Indian restaurant, has one director: Jerurasa Senjoansrajah
JS Local Ltd and the food business operator, Jerurasa Senjoansrajah, were sentenced at Cardiff Magistrates’ Court on December 15, following a series of inspections at both premises. These inspections resulted in both businesses being voluntarily closed by the operator due to the risks posed to public health.
The fines imposed by the court relate to inspections carried out by Environmental Health Officers between September and December 2024. Officers found a widespread rodent infestation at both premises, along with poor cleanliness and serious failings in food safety management.
During an inspection at Rasathi Sri Lankan Takeaway on September 4, 2024, inspectors requested basic food safety paperwork – including pest control records, allergy documentation, and staff training certificates – but the operator failed to provide any information. By December 4, 2024, Rasathi Sri Lankan Takeaway had been converted to food storage for Chennai Dosa.
During visits in December 2024, Environmental Health Officers discovered mouse droppings in food preparation areas, dirty equipment, unrefrigerated food, and an overall poor level of cleanliness.
On December 6, the closure notice for Chennai Dosa was revoked after pest proofing and deep cleaning were completed. However, pest activity and poor food storage practices continued, resulting in formal enforcement action by SRS under the Prevention of Damage by Pests Act 1949.
Following this action, Saromina Senjoansrajh resigned as a director of Rasathi Sri Lankan Takeaway, leaving her husband, Jerurasa Senjoansrajh, as the sole food business operator for both premises.
Cllr Norma Mackie, Cabinet Member responsible for Shared Regulatory Services at Cardiff Council, said:
“The conditions our officers found at this takeaway and restaurant posed a clear and immediate risk to the public. Basic requirements – such as effective pest control, thorough cleaning, and robust food safety management – were not in place.
The prosecution was necessary and proportionate given the seriousness and persistence of the offences, and we will continue to take firm action against any food business that poses a threat to public health. Legislation exists for a reason; action will be taken against businesses that fail to meet required standards.
Businesses handling high‑risk foods, including rice, chicken, mutton, fish and eggs, must have effective pest control, robust cleaning and disinfection schedules, and a documented food safety management system. Failure to meet these standards endangers customers and will lead to enforcement action.”
JS Local Ltd was fined £16,080 and ordered to pay £1,084 in costs. The Food Business Operator, Jerurasa Senjoansrajah, was fined £3,072, ordered to pay £1,084 in costs, and issued with a £1,229 victim surcharge.
