Red Star in Cowley Road has been served with a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Order (HEPO), after serious hygiene concerns were identified during an inspection.
A Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Order is one of the strongest enforcement powers available to local authorities and is only used where there is a serious and immediate threat to consumer safety.
During an inspection, Oxford City Council’s Environmental Health Officers identified conditions at the premises that posed an imminent risk to public health, including:
- Evidence of a serious rat infestation, with rat droppings under the shelving in the rear storage rooms and evidence of damaged ready to eat food and drink packaging
- Food stored on the floor in the dry goods storage area, walk in fridge and freezer, some of which was open and uncovered
- Makeshift rear food storage rooms which were not weatherproof and dampness was evident. Extensive mould growth was also evident on some walls and ceilings in the makeshift rear food preparation, dim sum area, and makeshift rear food storage rooms
- Open and mouldy spices found in the makeshift rear food storage room
- Cleaning chemicals stored with food
- Open packets of rat poison hanging in a mouldy plastic bag above cooking oil drums
- Unacceptable standard of cleanliness throughout all food preparation and food storage areas, including the main kitchen and walk-in fridge and walk-in freezer
- Open drains in the food preparation area, with foul water was standing on the floor of the food preparation area
The order was confirmed at High Wycombe Magistrates' Court on 27 January 2026.
As a result, the business has been required to cease trading immediately until the issues are fully addressed and compliance with food hygiene legislation is achieved.
The Council will continue to work with the business owner to explain what improvements are required, while maintaining its primary duty to safeguard public health.
Food hygiene in Oxford
All food businesses in Oxford are inspected on a regular basis to ensure that the food sold to the public is safe to consume.
Members of the public are encouraged to report any concerns about food hygiene to foodsafety@oxford.gov.uk
Comment
“This action demonstrates our commitment to protecting residents, visitors, and the wider community. We will not hesitate to take robust enforcement action where food safety standards fall significantly below what the public has a right to expect.
“The vast majority of food businesses in our area operate responsibly and maintain good hygiene standards. Enforcement action such as this is about raising standards across the sector and ensuring a level playing field for compliant businesses.”
Councillor Lubna Arshad, Cabinet Member for a Safer Oxford
Rate this page
