A CUSTOMER found a dead beetle in a meal bought from a Bolton takeaway which magistrates said was in an “horrific” condition.

The creepy-crawly find at Taslima, in Thicketford Road, was reported to Bolton Council in October and when officers visited the premises they discovered an infestation of Dermestes beetles.

The takeaway is now under new ownership and management and the new owner said he has made improvements since taking it over.

The company that previously owned the premises, Taslima (Bolton) Ltd, and the former director Jahirul Hoque pleaded guilty to 13 offences, which included selling unsafe food because it was unfit for human consumption.

Executive cabinet member for environmental services, Cllr Nick Peel, said: “No one tucking into a takeaway should be subjected to what this poor customer found.

“It is completely unacceptable for a food outlet to operate in such a terrible state and what our officers discovered was absolutely disgusting.”

The magistrates were shocked by what they heard and at photographs shown in court. They described conditions as “horrific” and said there had been a blatant disregard for food hygiene.

The business was fined £2,500 and Hoque was ordered to pay £1,000. Full costs of £3,448 were awarded as well as a victim surcharge of £60.

Other offences related to failing to protect food from the risk of contamination, poor pest control, poor structural conditions and dirty structure and equipment.

An infestation of the Dermestes beetle, also known as the larder beetle, is associated with poor cleaning practices.

Mr Hoque voluntarily shut the takeaway following the visit by council officers to make improvements.

In repeated follow-up inspections, officers found there were still significant ongoing structural and cleaning contraventions.

Mr Hoque was prosecuted as an individual as he was ultimately responsible for the poor hygiene and was also issued with a Prohibition Order which prevents him from managing any food business.

Cllr Peel added: “The public can be assured that we take all reports of food contamination seriously and will investigate them.

“We will prosecute those who disregard food hygiene regulations and we would urge anyone with concerns regarding food premises to contact us directly.

Mr Shahid Miah, the new owner of Taslima, said: “We took over the business in March and even though we have not been running it very long, we have made improvements since we have taken it over.”

Call 01204 336500 or email environmental.health@bolton.gov.uk to report food hygiene concerns.