An Indian restaurant in Oxfordshire has reopened following a cockroach infestation that posed an "imminent risk of injury to health".

Arzoo, located at 15 Market Square in Bicester, was closed for a month due to a "widespread infestation" of cockroaches.

Cherwell District Council issued a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice by Cherwell District Council on Monday (September 2).

The notice said there was an "imminent risk of injury to health due to a serious, widespread infestation of cockroaches".

It added that the infestation was "serious enough to result in the actual contamination of food or a significant risk of contamination throughout the food premises".

The business was granted a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Order on September 10 by Oxford Magistrates' Court, which prohibited the business from trading on the grounds of health risk.

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The Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice from the councilThe Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice from the council (Image: Contributed)

 

The council said Arzoo did not attend court.

The eatery was then treated for the cockroach infestation whilst it remained closed. 

Arzoo has now spoken out about the infestation following multiple attempts by the Oxford Mail over the last month to obtain comment.

The business announced its reopening on Wednesday (October 2).

Ali Miah, who is the new manager of Arzoo said he is "pleased" Arzoo has reopened. 

A statement from the restaurant said: "First of all, I want to apologize whatever happened, but we are open again and will be giving you more delicious Indian food [than] ever.

"Thanks for all of you who supported me in my bad times."

A spokesperson for Cherwell District Council said: “Officers are satisfied that the imminent risk to public health caused by the cockroach infestation has now been resolved, meaning the restaurant can reopen.

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"The council is keeping the situation under review and officers will return for another inspection in the near future.”

Arzoo's website says its food is prepared and cooked on a daily basis, "ensuring freshness and quality is observed at all times".

It says it offers an "exciting" menu with with all the "old favourites" as well as "original dishes" and offers dine in as well as takeaway. 

It is open Monday to Sunday 5pm until 11pm. 

In April 2023, Arzoo was was given the lowest rating of zero-out-of-five.

However according to the Food Standards Agency website, Arzoo received a food hygiene rating of four following an inspection in January earlier this year.

During the inspection officers rated the hygienic handling of food and the cleanliness and condition of the facilities and building as 'good'.

The management of food safety was rated as 'generally satisfactory'.