A HAYES store has been hit with a hefty fine after Hillingdon Council's food inspectors found rat droppings and out-of-date food on site.

Amar Singh Superstore, trading as Dawley News and Booze in Dawley Road, Hayes, and its former director, Sandip Singh Arora, 20, of Osterley Park Road, Southall, were given fines and costs totalling £7,775 at Uxbridge Magistrates’ Court.

Health officers visited the store after receiving a complaint from a member of the public. They discovered samosas, packs of pepperoni and meatballs past their use-by date, while mouse and rat droppings were found under shelves.

Employees did not have basic food hygiene knowledge, including an understanding of what temperatures perishable foods should be kept at.

Hillingdon prosecuted the shop for selling food past its use-by date and for failing to keep the shop clean and free from pests.

Cllr Douglas Mills, cabinet member for commerce, said: “Arora had a complete disregard for the health of his customers, presenting a risk of food poisoning to anyone who consumed the food.”