Middlesbrough takeaway closed due to mice infestation and poor standards of cleanliness

Mice have been busy munching their way through another Middlesbrough takeaway.

An infestation of the rodents was discovered in The Shawarma House in Linthorpe Road prompting health officials to shut down the premises.

It follows a previous emergency closure in May when the former owner was later fined £1,000 (pictures relating to this closure below).

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On the latest occasion, environmental health officers from Middlesbrough Council’s Public Protection Service served a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice on the takeaway’s operator after they found mouse droppings and poor standards of cleanliness throughout the premises.

And on Wednesday Middlesbrough Council was granted a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Order at Teesside Magistrates’ Court.

The order confirmed the council’s actions and requires the business to remain closed until environmental health officers are satisfied that the premises is pest-free and has been effectively sanitised.

Environmental Health manager Judith Hedgley said: “The owners of food businesses must ensure their premises are kept free from pests, clean at all times and well maintained.

“Mice and other rodents can get in through small holes and poor fitting doors. They are looking for food and harbourage so they are attracted to premises that are not clean.

“Pest problems in food businesses can and do present serious risks to public health. We regularly remind owners about this and most of the businesses in Middlesbrough are well managed and hygienic.”

“However, where officers find unhygienic conditions, it is necessary to take prompt action to remove health risks. Pest infestations and poor hygiene standards are the main reasons for closing food businesses.”

Councillor Julia Rostron, Middlesbrough Council’s executive member for adult social care and public health, said: “The council’s environmental health officers work closely with local food businesses to help them understand their obligations under food laws and achieve good standards of hygiene.

“However, where serious health risks are discovered they are required to put the interests of consumers first and take action to protect public health.

“Every year more than 500 visits are made to food outlets in Middlesbrough as part of the council’s food premises inspection programme and more than 85% of businesses have achieved the top two hygiene ratings in recognition of their good hygiene standards and effective management of food safety.”