A RESTAURANT cleared by environmental health inspectors over claims a rodent was found in a customer’s meal is now considering legal action.

Police were called to a disturbance at the Shajan Indian Restaurant in Clayton-le-Dale after a diner in a party of eight claimed to have discovered a rodent in their meal.

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The allegation led to the Longsight Road eaterie getting a visit from environmental health inspectors on September 17, who found no wrongdoing on the part of the business, which has had an exemplary food hygiene record since 2012.

It is believed the animal found on the plate was a water shrew and that it had been placed there after the meal had been cooked.

Shajan owner Mohammad Ali said the restaurant was the victim of a ‘targeted malicious attack’ and now plans to sue those responsible.

The case will be handled by well-known Blackburn firm Farleys Solicitors and will go through the civil courts.

Mr Ali wrote on the restaurant’s Facebook page: “We are aware of these allegations. We are victims of a targeted malicious attack by someone who has a grudge against the restaurant.

“We are complying fully with the Environmental Health officers from the council, who have visited and have found no issues of concern.

“We are proud of our high hygiene standard and have been awarded a five rating under the national food hygiene scheme.

“I have now placed this matter in the hands of my solicitor who will be taking the appropriate action.”

The investigation found it was ‘unlikely’ the shrew had been in the ingredients due to its size and it was not a recognised pest species for food preparation.

The shrew had a trauma injury on its back which could have been caused by a mouse trap, inspectors said.

The investigation also found there was no food in the shrew’s mouth or stomach which would be expected if it had been introduced to the meal while alive.

The coat of the animal was also more heavily contaminated on one side, inspectors said.

Heather Coar, Ribble Valley Council’s head of environmental health, said: “We were contacted on September 19, by a member of the public who ate at the Shajan Restaurant on September 17 with a party of eight diners and allegedly found a ‘mouse’ in a vegetable curry at the table.

“We responded immediately and undertook an unannounced visit to the restaurant on September 19.

“We conducted a thorough and detailed inspection, and found no evidence whatsoever of rodent activity. Additionally, the restaurant was found to have a pest control contract in place and an audit of the pest control records revealed no history of rodent activity.

“Like all food outlets, the Shajan Restaurant receives regular environmental health inspections and has had a five-star rating since the introduction of the National Food Hygiene Rating Scheme in 2012.”

Michael Corrigan, senior partner at Farleys acting on behalf of the Shajan Indian Restaurant, said: “It is a despicable act and we will be taking proceedings forward and claiming damages in the civil courts.

“The reports from the health inspector completely exonerates The Shajan Restaurant.

“Mr Ali is very thankful for all the support from his customers.”

A police spokesman said: “We are aware of the incident. It is still with Environmental Health and we are liaising with them. As of yet it is not being treated as criminal.”

Cllr Stuart Hirst, leader of Ribble Valley Council, said: “Our Environmental Health department would always take allegations like this seriously.

“We believe we have high standards of excellence with the way we deal with this matter. Any investigation will be pursued thoroughly.

“I live in the area I have been to Shajan a number of times.

“I have been very impressed by the quality of food and the standard of service.”

The restaurant, which employs 38 people and was established in 1992, has received overwhelming support on social media since reports of the allegation first came out.

Mr Ali said: “We at the Shajan would like to thank all the customers who have been so supportive and lovely towards us. We really appreciate all that you have done for us.”

The customer who is believed to have made the complaint was not available for comment when contacted by the Lancashire Telegraph.