The temporary closure of Asafo Restaurant last year appears to have sparked a wider shift in hygiene standards across Ghanaian eateries in the capital, particularly in South London.
Asafo, a popular Ghanaian takeaway based in Thornton Heath, was forced to shut its doors following concerns raised during a routine inspection. While the closure was temporary, it sent a clear signal to other restaurant operators in the community about the importance of maintaining strict food safety and cleanliness standards.
In the months since, many Ghanaian restaurants across South London have reportedly stepped up their efforts. According to a report by journalists from Sirrichie.com, several establishments have implemented improved hygiene practices, ranging from stricter kitchen protocols to more frequent staff training and upgraded sanitation equipment.
Restaurant owners say the incident served as a wake-up call. “It made all of us more conscious,” said one local operator, who noted that environmental health inspections are now taken more seriously than ever. “Customers trust us with their food, and we can’t afford to fall short.”
Customers, too, have noticed the difference. Many diners report cleaner dining environments, better food handling practices, and increased transparency from staff regarding food preparation.
Community leaders have welcomed the improvements, emphasising that maintaining high hygiene standards not only protects public health but also strengthens the reputation of Ghanaian cuisine in London’s diverse food scene.
While Asafo Restaurant has since reopened, its brief closure has had a lasting impact—catalysing positive change across an entire segment of the city’s hospitality industry.
Croydon takeaway shut temporarily over cockroach infestation and ‘strong smell of urine’ – My London
The closure, published by my London News reported as below;
A Ghanaian takeaway in Croydon was forced to shut down in May after food hygiene inspectors uncovered a “significant infestation” of cockroaches and ‘strong smell of urine’ in the restaurant. Asafo Takeaway in Thornton Heath was visited several times by food hygiene inspectors before it reopened to the public on June 3.
Inspectors visited the takeaway on Whitehorse Road on May 13, following concerns that it was practising unsafe food prep and hygiene onsite. Evidence of a ‘significant cockroach infestation’ was found across the Croydon takeaway, from the food preparation and cooking zones to the serving counters and front of house.
Inspectors highlighted high-level areas around electrical casings as being particularly badly affected by the infestation. Furthermore, they found evidence of a growing rat problem, with inspectors noting large amounts of droppings in the rear kitchen and under shelving units.
They also noted a strong smell of urine coming from a cupboard beneath a television. This was found near where customers would order food.
The inspection also revealed that the premises did not have hot water available, posing serious risks to hygiene and food safety. As a result, all food prepared on site was declared unsafe and had to be discarded immediately.
Following the damning inspection, Croydon Council immediately closed the restaurant so that it could address the issues raised. The council emphasised that no further food preparation should take place until the business had fully addressed all issues and received written approval to reopen.
The premises were ordered to be completely cleaned and disinfected, along with pest control measures and the restoration of both hot and cold water supplies.
The food hygiene rating system
The food hygiene scheme is designed to helps you choose where to eat out or shop for food by giving you clear information about the businesses’ hygiene standards.
Food establishments are encouraged to display the sticker given to them which shows their food hygiene rating. However, it is voluntary for them to actually do so in England.
The scheme gives businesses a rating from 5 to 0 which is displayed at their premises and online so you can make more informed choices about where to buy and eat food.
5 – hygiene standards are very good
4 – hygiene standards are good
3 – hygiene standards are generally satisfactory
2 – some improvement is necessary
1 – major improvement is necessary
0 – urgent improvement is required
What the rating covers
Ratings are a snapshot of the standards of food hygiene found at the time of inspection. It is the responsibility of the business to comply with food hygiene law at all times.
This includes:
- handling of food
- how food is stored
- how food is prepared
- cleanliness of facilities
- how food safety is managed
The food hygiene rating scheme does not provide information on the following factors:
- quality of the food
- customer service
- culinary skill
- presentation
- comfort
