A Chinese take-away in Portslade has been shut down after being overrun with mice.
Magic Wok was ordered to close immediately following an inspection by Brighton and Hove City Council’s environmental health team last Thursday.
Officers visiting the take-away in Victoria Road were horrified to find mice droppings and chewed surfaces in every room including foodstores and kitchen.
Under the food safety legislation they ordered that the premises should be immediately closed.
At Brighton Magistrates Court yesterday, a permanent closure order was issued to Lee Jian You, owner of Magic Wok.
The order means that the premises must remain closed until improvements have been carried out and environmental health officers are satisfied that there is no further risk to public health.
Magistrates heard how visiting environmental health officers found the garden of the premises full of rubbish and debris including corrugated plastic, roofing felt and an old sofa, providing ideal breeding conditions for mice and rats.They also found gaps under doors and holes in walls and woodwork which allowed rodents to get in and out of the rooms.
The premises smelt of mice urine and droppings were found in every room, on the floors, storage boxes and insulated food bags. It was clear that the infestation was widespread and had been going on for some time.
Mr You has been ordered to destroy all food at risk of contamination,to carry out extensive repairs and a thorough cleaning of the premises before the council will consider allowing him to re-open.
Councillor Geoffrey Theobald, Cabinet member for Environment said: “This was an appalling breach of the food hygiene regulations, and one of the worst infestations of mice that officers have ever seen.
“Fortunately cases as bad as this are rare, but the public can rest assured that public safety is a priority for the council and we will act swiftly to close down any food outlets which could be putting residents’ health at risk.”
o yes about time something was done they used to put the meat on the walls out side in the summer hip hip hip horay im glad you have been cought about time well done to all we can eat better food now