Shop riddled with mouse droppings shut down

A shop riddled with "one of the worst mouse infestations" has been ordered to shut down.

Gnawed crisp packets and mice droppings on shelves were found by health inspectors at Premier Express Nice 'n' Fresh on Victoria Road North, Southsea.

Portsmouth's environmental health team described the infestation as the worst they have ever seen in a retail business.

The convenience shop was shut down with immediate effect last Thursday after health inspectors found there was a clear risk to public health.

Mouse droppings were visible on shelves containing sweets and other food items, which a council officer said was "clear evidence of a widespread mouse infestation".

Councillor Lee Hunt, cabinet member for community safety, said: "The environmental health officer who visited described this as one of the worst infestations they have ever seen in a retail business.

"Mice can spread diseases such as salmonella and campylobacter through their droppings and urine, so when they come into contact with open food or contaminate the outside of packets like in this case, there is an imminent risk of illness to people's health.

"We want to work with businesses to resolve any issues before they get to this dangerous state and have to be closed, and thankfully the vast majority of the city's traders operate good hygiene practices."

The shop was handed a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Order, a notice ordering a food business to immediately close if it poses a public health risk, at Portsmouth Magistrates' Court.

Pinal and Mehul Ltd, which operates the business, has been prohibited from trading until the infestation is resolved.