A Portsmouth food business has been immediately closed after Environmental Health Officers uncovered a serious mouse infestation at Kens Fried Chicken on Commercial Road, during a routine inspection on 18 February.
Officers discovered mouse droppings on shelves, worktops and cooling racks, including beside bags of flour used to coat chicken and near bottled water. Structural defects such as holes in the roof, gaps under the front doors and an insecure rear door were also identified, allowing mice to freely access the premises. Cleaning standards were poor despite previous advice from the company’s pest controller.
Due to the imminent risk to public health, a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice was served, forcing the business to close immediately. On 20 February, Portsmouth Magistrates’ Court confirmed the closure by granting a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Order, which prevents the business from reopening until the infestation is eradicated and hygiene standards are improved.
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.”
The Order prohibits Ken’s Fried Chicken from trading at the premises until the infestation has been eradicated, the necessary structural repairs to deny pest entry have been carried out and the business can demonstrate that robust food safety controls are in place.
Report an environmental health issue in Portsmouth through the council’s website: Environmental health and trading standards – Portsmouth City Council