Premier Express Nice 'n' Fresh shut down after "worst infestation ever seen" by environmental health team
Health officers have closed down a convenience store after they discovered one of the “worst infestations they have ever seen”.
Premier Express Nice 'n' Fresh, in Victoria Road North, Southsea, was issued a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition notice on February 10 after Portsmouth City Council received a complaint from a member of public.
A health officer found clear evidence of a widespread mouse infestation including droppings on shelves next to sweets and multiple packets of gnawed crisps on sale.
Councillor Lee Hunt, cabinet member for community safety, leisure and sport, 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.”
On February 12, a district judge granted a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Order at Portsmouth Magistrates' Court along with full costs.
"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”, Cllr Hunt added.