Significant rodent infestation posing imminent risk forces His Glory Food Store to temporarily close
Significant rodent infestation has forced a Southsea food store to temporarily close following an inspection.
After a mouse infestation was discovered at His Glory Food, in Fawcett Road, the food store received a hygiene rating of 0 and a voluntary closure back in March of this year.
Officers from the Portsmouth City Council carried out a further inspection on Thursday, October 16, where they found significant rodent activity in the food storeroom.
Evidence included mouse droppings on shelves and food packets, a gnawed bag of rice and smear marks on packaging.
Due to the imminent risk to public health, a hygiene emergency prohibition notice was served and displayed in the shop window, prompting he business to close immediately.
The council applied for a hygiene emergency prohibition order at Magistrates’ Court, which was signed by a district judge on Monday, October 20. The order prohibited the business from reopening until the infestation had been resolved.
Cllr Lee Hunt, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Leisure & Sport at Portsmouth City Council said: “Our Regulatory Services team works tirelessly to protect public health and uphold food safety standards across Portsmouth.
“We take swift action when serious risks are identified, and we hope this case serves as a reminder to all food businesses of the importance of maintaining clean, safe premises.
Following a revisit by council officers to confirm that the necessary work had been completed, His Glory Food Store has now been permitted to reopen.