"Active mouse infestation" discovered at Yuan Siu takeaway prompting shop closure

Yuan Siu, in St James's Rd, Southsea, has been issued a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice following an inspection by an environmental health officer on Monday, March 2.

During the visit, a rodent infestation was uncovered at the Chinese and fish and chip takeaway, with a notice saying: “There is evidence of an active mouse infestation which constitutes an imminent risk to health.”

The order prevents the business from reopening until the infestation is eliminated and hygiene standards have been improved.

In recent months, multiple food and drink venues across the city have been closed due to active rodent infestations including Kens Fried Chicken, in Commercial Road, and Premier Express Nice 'n' Fresh, in Victoria Road North, Southsea.

Cllr Lee Hunt, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Leisure and Sport, said: “When officers find evidence of mice in a food business, we have to act fast because it puts people’s health at risk.

“No one wants to see a shop closed, and we always try to work with businesses to sort problems before it reaches that point, but the conditions here meant action was needed straight away.

“Most traders in our city run clean and safe premises, and we’ll continue to support them while stepping in firmly when standards fall this far short.”