Walsall takeaway hit with emergency closure order after mouse infestation found

A Walsall takeaway was ordered to close with immediate effect after environmental health officers found evidence of a widespread and active mouse infestation during an inspection.

Golden Fish Bar and Pizza Palace Ltd, in Bloxwich Road, was served with a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice by Walsall Council on June 30 after environmental health officers identified an imminent risk to public health.

Signs of pest activity were found throughout the food preparation areas, including mouse droppings and gnawed tissue paper, during a routine inspection.

Mouse droppings were also discovered on food preparation equipment, including a dough mixer, pizza pan and metal pizza dividers. Officers concluded there was sufficient evidence to confirm an active and widespread mouse infestation.

The matter has since been rectified and the business allowed to reopen but Councillor Ian Benton, portfolio holder for street scene and enforcement at Walsall Council, said the council takes such cases extremely seriously and won’t hesitate to take action.

He said: "The council takes public health extremely seriously and will always take immediate action where food businesses present a risk to customers.

"Everyone has the right to expect that food is prepared in clean and hygienic conditions. Rodent infestations can pose serious health risks, including the spread of harmful bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli.

"Food businesses have a responsibility to maintain the standards required to keep customers safe. Where those standards fall short, we will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action."

At Dudley Magistrates' Court on July 7, magistrates approved an Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Order - confirming actions to close the premises with immediate effect were appropriate and justified. In addition, the court ordered the business to pay £475 costs to the council.

The business was permitted to reopen on July 8 after officers were satisfied the imminent risk to health had been removed following remedial works and cooperation with Walsall Council's environmental health officers.