**Indian Restaurant in Welsh Town Shut Down after Health Inspectors Uncover Shocking Conditions**
An Indian restaurant and takeaway in Port Talbot has been forced to close after environmental health teams uncovered a severe cockroach infestation and extremely unhygienic conditions. The Mirchi Masalla, located on Commercial Road in Taibach, came under scrutiny following a recent inspection which found the premises posed a serious threat to public health.
During their visit on 21 July 2025, officers from the Neath Port Talbot Council’s environmental health department discovered what they described as “filthy conditions” inside the restaurant. Photographic evidence released by the authorities showed disturbing scenes, including clear signs of an active cockroach presence. The state of the kitchen and food storage areas was considered so poor that officials deemed there to be an immediate risk to anyone consuming food from the business.
As a result of their findings, environmental health officers issued an emergency hygiene prohibition notice, which required Mirchi Masalla to cease operating without delay. The order effectively closed the restaurant and takeaway to customers pending a court decision.
The council provided detailed accounts of the scenes inside the establishment in evidence presented before Swansea Magistrates’ Court. After reviewing the case, the magistrates supported the emergency action, issuing a formal hygiene emergency prohibition order which confirmed the closure and ensured that no food could be served to the public until significant improvements were made.
At the time of the inspection, the restaurant was reportedly open seven days a week and available to both dine-in and takeaway customers. The move to immediately suspend operations emphasises the seriousness of the risks posed by the conditions inspectors observed.
Representatives from Neath Port Talbot Council have stated that Mirchi Masalla will not be permitted to reopen until it is thoroughly cleaned, pest-free, and fully compliant with food safety regulations. The business owner is said to be working closely with local authorities in an effort to rectify the numerous issues raised during the inspection.
Councillor Cen Phillips, cabinet member responsible for nature, tourism and wellbeing, highlighted the importance of these interventions: “Our officers acted swiftly to prevent this food business from continuing to operate and potentially endangering the health of local residents. Their actions were decisive and taken in the best interests of the public.”
He also reassured locals that ongoing inspections and monitoring will take place. “Authorities are maintaining a close watch on the premises to ensure there is no unauthorised reopening,” Cllr Phillips added. “We are not prepared to allow the business to restart until we are fully satisfied that there is no longer an imminent risk to public health.”
Health inspectors regularly carry out checks across the county borough, often unannounced, to ensure food businesses are complying with hygiene standards. In recent years, such interventions have played a critical role in improving food safety and consumer confidence. However, incidents like this highlight ongoing challenges within parts of the hospitality sector.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining high standards of cleanliness and pest control within food outlets. Authorities have encouraged the public to report any concerns about local businesses to the environmental health team, stressing that vigilance is essential in protecting community well-being.
For now, the Mirchi Masalla will remain closed until both inspectors and the council are convinced it poses no ongoing threat to customers. Members of the public who had recently visited the restaurant have been advised not to be alarmed but to be aware of the incident and contact the council if they have any wider concerns regarding food safety locally.