Inside Willenhall takeaway ordered to close after mouse infestation
During an inspection, officers found signs of pest activity throughout the food storage and preparation areas.
A Willenhall takeaway was ordered to close immediately after inspectors discovered evidence of a mouse infestation.
Double Luck Chinese Takeaway, on Charles Street, was served with a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice by Walsall Council on October 14 after Environmental Health officers identified an ‘imminent risk to public health’.
During an inspection, officers found signs of pest activity throughout the food storage and preparation areas.
Mouse droppings were found in the kitchen, including under the cooker and near cooking equipment such as pan lids and a chopping board.
Further droppings were found in the storeroom, next to packaged food items including noodles and sauces, and near the toilet area.
Officers concluded there was sufficient evidence to confirm an active and widespread mouse infestation.
Councillor Ian Benton, portfolio holder for street scene and enforcement at Walsall Council, said, “Effective pest control is a basic requirement for any food business.
“Finding mouse droppings where food is stored or prepared is a serious hygiene failure, and it is not something we can overlook.
“Businesses are responsible for keeping their premises clean, preventing pests from getting in and dealing with infestations promptly.
“Where those standards fall short, we will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action.
“As the weather gets colder, rodents will be looking for warmth, food and shelter, making it even more important for businesses to get their pest controls right.
“I’d urge owners to check their premises now and deal with any issues before they become a serious problem. This case should be a warning to any business that lets its standards slip.”
The case was heard at Dudley Magistrates’ Court on October 21, where magistrates granted a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Order, confirming that the decision to close the premises with immediate effect was appropriate and justified.
In addition, the court ordered the business to pay £475 in costs to the council.
Following remedial work and cooperation with Walsall Council’s Environmental Health officers, the business was permitted to reopen on October 16 after officers were satisfied that the imminent risk to public health had been removed.
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