Mouse infested takeaway fined » Local Government » 24dash.com

A mouse infested chinese takeaway in Bishopsworth pleaded guilty to two food hygiene offences at Bristol Magistrate's Court.

Mr Liang Wu, Food Business Operator of Nan King at 29 Highridge Road was given a conditional discharge and ordered to pay £1200 towards the Council's legal costs.

Environmental Health Officers Dan Wilmott and Wanda Hooper visited Nan King on 1st March 2007 to carry out a routine hygiene inspection following a food complaint.

They told the court they found evidence of a very serious mouse infestation and discovered food and packing materials contaminated with mouse droppings. 

A nest of baby mice was also found in a food storage room at the rear of the premises.

A Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice was served which closed the premises immediately until sufficient work had been carried out to remove the imminent risk of illness to customers.

Mr Wu also accepted a simple caution for the offence of failing to notify Bristol City Council that he had taken over the business.

Dan Wilmott said: "This was one of the worst mouse infestations I have seen, with mice actually nesting in the premises.  We had no hesitation in serving a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice to close the premises immediately in order to protect public health."

Staff at the Nan King undertook work to thoroughly disinfect the premises, eradicate the infestation and complete the pest proofing. 

Officers revisited the premises on Saturday 3rd March and permitted them to re-open.

The Council also uses training to help businesses raise food hygiene standards. 

Wanda Hooper said: "We offer free training for small businesses to help them comply with the new legal requirement for a documented food safety management system.  In this case, if food safety had been managed properly, this situation would not have occurred. 

"Since the inspection Mr Wu has attended a free Bristol City Council Safer Food Better Business seminar. Food hygiene practices have now improved at the premises resulting in an increase in the star rating from zero to a "good" rating of three stars."

Bristol City Council award all food businesses a star rating (known as Scores on the Doors), following a routine inspection, taking into account food hygiene and safety procedures, structure and confidence in management.

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