Kens Fried Chicken shut down after serious mouse infestation poses "clear and immediate risk"

Kens Fried Chicken, in Commercial Road, has been shut down following a routine inspection by environmental health officers on Wednesday, February 18.

During the visit, officers found mouse droppings on shelves, worktops, cooling racks and beside bags of flour used to coat chicken and near bottled water.

Structural defects including holes in the roof, gaps under the front doors and an insecure rear door were also identified, allowing mice to freely access the premises.

The inspection also revealed the cleaning standards were poor despite previous advice from the company’s pest controller.

Councillor Lee Hunt, cabinet member for community safety, leisure, and sport, said: “The level of mouse activity identified posed a clear and immediate risk to public health.

“Food businesses must maintain clean, pest‑proof premises at all times. Protecting residents is our top priority, and immediate closure was necessary.”

A Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice was served, forcing the business to close immediately, and Portsmouth Magistrates’ Court granted a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Order on February 20.

Get access to trustworthy local news for a fiver when you sign up for a digital subscription to The News.

The order prevents the business from reopening until the infestation is eliminated, hygiene standards improve and structural repairs have been carried out.

For more information about reporting an evironmental issue in the city, click here.