'It's a nightmare': Galbi Korean restaurant vows to eliminate infestation after inspection uncovered 'filthy conditions'
A restaurant forced to close is working to eradicate a mouse infestation
The owner of a restaurant has said the past week has been a ‘nightmare’ after the premises was shut down last month due to ‘filthy’ conditions and an active mouse infestation.
Galbi Korean restaurant, in Albert Road, forced to close on Tuesday, July 28 after a routine inspection uncovered an active mouse infestation, with mouse droppings found on oven shelves, next to open boxes of food and underneath drinking glasses in the bar.
An oriental cockroach was also found floating in a container of water in the bar and officers noted issues with cleanliness and dirty equipment.
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Cllr Lee Hunt, cabinet member for community safety, leisure and sport, previously said:"What our officers uncovered during this inspection was shocking. The premises were filthy, there was clear evidence of an active mouse infestation, and mouse droppings were discovered next to open food and even inside an oven.”
As a result, the business was issued a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice the same day, with Portsmouth Magistrates' Court signing a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Order on July 30.
Galbi was last inspected in 2020 and was awarded a Food Hygiene Rating Scheme (FHRS) score of 5.
A spokesperson for Galbi, which will remain closed until Environmental Health officers are satisfied the issues have been resolved, said: “It's a nightmare. We have done our best to deep clean through the kitchen. We have hired a professional company to deep clean the extraction system as well and install a new burner range. We are working with a pest control company and are checking everyday to monitor possible pests activity. We are also going to renew gas and electricity safety certificates, make sure all equipment fit and match regulations.
“We promise the matter won't be happening again.”
The city is no stranger to businesses being forced to close due to pest activity, with more than 80 sites being temporarily shut over the past five years. All locations were issued prohibition orders forcing establishments to stop operating immediately until the infestation is eliminated, hygiene standards have been improved and any structural defects have been resolved.
Councillor Lee Hunt previously told The News: “It is very important that the public have confidence around eating out and purchasing foods. Here at Portsmouth City Council our Environmental Health and Trading Standards teams and others work cross-services to educate and enforce safety and standards.
“It is tempting for businesses to cut corners in the face of a harsh trading environment. My advice is keep standards up and thrive. Our council teams are working hard to improve the number of inspections and won’t hesitate to shut premises where public health is at risk.”