A Portsmouth convenience store has been ordered to remain closed after council officers discovered an active mouse infestation - including droppings on and next to food on shelves.
The council’s environmental health team found evidence of mice during a routine inspection of Premier Oasis News on the city’s Church Road on 5 November.
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The droppings were found next to and on packets of cakes, biscuits and other foods, the team revealed, while gnawed packets of blueberry muffins and seeded bread buns were also discovered.
Officers also found that mice had chewed through cardboard used to fill a gap in a wall, as well as through ceiling tiles.
Immediate closure
The shop was immediately closed under a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice. Following this, on Monday this week (9 November), Portsmouth Magistrates’ Court granted a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Order after considering the council’s evidence.
The order prevents the shop from reopening until the health risk has been removed.
Cllr Lee Hunt, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Leisure & Sport, said: “Finding evidence of mice on and around food for sale is completely unacceptable and presents a clear risk to customers.
“Our environmental health officers acted immediately to protect the public. Food businesses have a responsibility to keep their premises clean and safe, and we will take firm action where conditions pose a risk to people’s health.”Top of Form
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