The South Indian restaurant in East Croydon has reopened after a significant mouse infestation and mouldy fridges were found during an inspection in July
A Croydon restaurant has reopened after an inspection uncovered evidence of a significant mouse infestation and food that was more than a month out of date stored in mouldy fridges.
Rio Lounge in East Croydon temporarily closed with immediate effect following the inspection earlier this summer, with officials giving the South Indian restaurant the lowest possible food hygiene rating of 0.
The restaurant says on its website it has a “commitment to hygiene” that will give diners “peace of mind with every bite”, a statement that predates the recent inspection.
During the inspection on July 4, officials found Rio Lounge’s fridges and fridge doors were heavily filled with food, debris and mould. Expired food was also found in a fridge, with a labelled date of May 22. Full details of the inspection have been released to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) following a Freedom of Information request.
Mouse droppings were found around the premises, indicating what inspectors suggested was a “significant infestation”. Ventilation filters were also described as heavily greasy, with oil observed running down the extraction system.
The back external area was poorly maintained, with the back door left open and rubbish accumulating, which inspectors said increased the risk of pests entering the premises. The wash hand basin was found to be dirty and contaminated with food and debris build-up.
Inspectors found the floor surface was cracked in several areas and filled with food debris, which they said prevented it from being effectively cleaned and maintained.
In the official inspection report, officials stated: “The level of infestation present represents a significant risk of contamination of food, food contact surfaces, equipment and the premises.”
All food was disposed of following the inspection, while the restaurant was required to undertake a thorough deep clean and have the premises reinspected. The restaurant was also required to address structural defects to stop future pest ingress, while staff were instructed to undertake refresher courses in food hygiene.
Rio Lounge, at 162-164 Cherry Orchard Road, near East Croydon, opened in 2024. It voluntarily closed following the July inspection due to what Croydon Council described as an “immediate risk to public health”.
The council allowed Rio Lounge to reopen on July 28 after reviewing three consecutive reports from its pest control contractor, which found no further evidence of mouse activity. Croydon added that officers carried out several follow-up visits during the closure to ensure the restaurant remained closed and was not serving food to the public.
On its website, Rio Lounge states: “Our commitment to hygiene is unwavering. We adhere to the highest standards of cleanliness and food safety, ensuring that every dish is prepared in a spotless environment.
“Our ingredients are sourced from trusted suppliers, and we follow strict protocols to maintain freshness and quality, giving you peace of mind with every bite.”
Rio Lounge has not responded to the LDRS about the findings of the inspection or its reopening.
A Croydon Council spokesperson told the LDRS: “Although our officers have not carried out any further inspections since the restaurant reopened, the business would now be visited as part of our normal programme of inspections alongside other food businesses.
“Protecting public health is a priority for the council, and we take a zero-tolerance approach to businesses that put residents at risk. Our food safety team works with businesses to help them meet hygiene standards, while prioritising inspections and taking enforcement action where necessary.”
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