AN INDIAN restaurant has hit back after being prosecuted for a cockroach infestation in its kitchen.

The Radhuni in Flackwell Heath was fined £2500 after failing to eradicate the problem that led to a customer finding a cockroach in their takeaway bag last August.

Owner Akthoraz Miah admits he was "dismayed and embarrassed" about the incident, but has reassured customers that he and his staff are working hard to improve standards.

"I would like to take this opportunity to reassure all our customers of our commitment to the highest level of food handling and preparation standards," he said.

"Regular customers and diners to Radhuni will I’m sure be aware of me and my staff’s commitment to delivering the finest Indian cuisine possible to the highest standards.

"We are constantly looking to improve and our aim is to serve the community where we live and provide a high quality dining experience for local people."

An independent food hygiene audit carried out this month concluded that all elements of preparation, cleanliness, storage and pest control at the Radhuni were satisfactory.

All kitchen staff are fully trained in health and safety and hold a level 2 Health and Hygiene Certificate.

Mr Miah said the cockroaches arrived in a delivery box from a supplier, and that a pest control company was immediately brought in when the insects were discovered.

He insists staff were then assured by the hired experts that the problem had been eliminated after treatment had took place.

However, the restaurant was ordered to close in August, three weeks after the cockroaches were first spotted as Environmental Health officers found the infestation had not been fully eradicated.

After a deep clean, the Radhuni, who have been trading in the village for nine years, were given permission to open the next day and remains fully operational.

Mr Miah insists he and his staff were fully compliant throughout the investigation, but did admit they were unaware the law required the restaurant to close while the problem was being dealt with.

In pleading guilty to the three separate food safety charges after taking legal advice, the Radhuni was unable to state their case in mitigation during court proceedings.

He added: "Like all restaurants we are aware of the responsibilities and difficulties maintaining standards and do this by following all recommendations and guidelines and dealing with incidents swiftly and correctly.

"Above all else we do this by operating a responsible and honourable establishment were we are proud to work and eat ourselves."