Mice-infested food shop closed

A food shop was closed down after a mice infestation which left a trail of droppings across the premises.

Environmental health officers shut the Desi Sweet Centre in Walsall Road, Walsall, after an inspection prompted by a tip-off from an anonymous shopper.

Droppings were found on the floor, shelves, and tins of tomatoes when a Walsall Council officer visited on Wednesday. A temporary closure noticed was enforced.

At Walsall Magistrates Court the council were granted a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Order which ensures the premises are shut until cleaned and rid of rodents.

The notice was served on business operator Jasvir Kaur who did not appear in the court. The hearing was told extensive efforts had already started to clean up the shop and pest control have been on site.

Environmental health officers were due to visit again today to see if all health and safety concerns have now been resolved. Once council officers are satisfied it can re-open again.

Philip Kelly of the environmental health department, said they received an anonymous complaint from a member of the public that mice had been in shop and on the shelving.

When he inspected the premises there were a number of holes where mice could get inside. There were a number of droppings on the floor, on food cans and shelving.

Speaking afterwards yesterday, Mr Kelly said: "It is very important food businesses are aware of their responsibilities to keep their premises clean."

Last year another shop in Willenhall was caught selling loaves of bread which had been gnawed by mice and where droppings were found on the floor.

The Siva Express Ltd outlet at the Spring Bank Service Station sold a loaf which had been partly eaten by a rodent while another half chewed one sat on a shelf waiting to be picked up. They were fined £2,000.

The previous year discount goods chain Poundland were told to pay more than £3,500 in fines and costs after a mice infestation at its store in Walsall's Saddlers Centre, in Park Street.