Copnor Takeaway closed after mouse infestation found

Portsmouth City Council’s environmental health team carried out a routine inspection of the food business, located at 147 Copnor Road, on 20 July.
An active mouse infestation was discovered throughout the food storeroom at the back of the kitchen. Droppings were found next to open food in boxes of onions, and on food storage shelves next to tins and sacks of rice.

The structure of the premises was found to be poor, with a large gap under the rear door allowing rodent entry.

There were glue boards in the storeroom indicating that the premises knew about the issue. There were also issues with cleanliness and dirty chopping boards were found.

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

“This swift result shows that we will take the strongest possible action to stop businesses operating in unsafe and unhygienic ways.

“The conditions found at Copnor Takeaway posed are very serious risk to people’s health, and it will remain closed until the business meets the correct hygiene standards that all food and drink sellers a required to show.”

The business was immediately closed at the time of the inspection under a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice.

Portsmouth Magistrate’s Court agreed with the council’s actions and on 22 July signed a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Order, keeping the business closed until the health risk has been removed.