Serious mouse infestation leads to closure of Portsmouth food business

Following a routine food hygiene inspection on 10 June 2026 at Paanchi, 234 Fratton Road, officers found the premises to be in an unacceptable condition.

The inspection revealed that the premises were filthy and had an active mouse infestation. Mice are known carriers of serious diseases and viruses. Mouse droppings were discovered next to open food and cooking equipment. addition, there is a significant risk that urine may be present on work surfaces and equipment, posing a further hazard.

Due to the imminent risk to public health, the inspecting officer served a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice on Paanchi Portsmouth Ltd, the food business operator. This requires the premises to close immediately and prohibits it from opening to the public until the risk has been removed. The notice was displayed in the premises’ window.

On 12 June 2026, Portsmouth City Council applied to Portsmouth Magistrates’ Court for a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Order, which was granted by a District Judge. This order means the business must remain closed until the council is satisfied that the infestation has been eradicated, the premises have been thoroughly cleaned, and there is no longer an imminent risk to public health.

Councillor Lee Hunt, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Leisure, and Sport, said:

“The level of mouse activity identified posed a clear and immediate risk to public health. Food businesses must maintain clean, pest‑proof premises at all times. Protecting residents is our top priority, and immediate closure was necessary.

“On behalf of residents and visitors I’d publicly like to thank our hardworking Enviromental Health and Trading Standards teams for their ongoing efforts to help protect us all.”

The food business operator is also required to implement measures to ensure appropriate hygiene standards are maintained before the premises can reopen.

Residents can report an environmental health issue in Portsmouth through the council’s website: Environmental health and trading standards – Portsmouth City Council