Shop closed after mice found gnawing through food packaging

A shop that had mice eating through food packaging and leaving droppings on top of food containers was closed by Tower Hamlets Council.

Following a complaint from a member of the public, Environmental Health Officers from the council visited the Iceland branch in Poplar on Monday 8 January.

They found packaging for crackers, biscuits and crisps which had been gnawed by mice and droppings on food and the floor, and saw the rodents running around the store.

Due to the level of mouse activity and concerns about the health risk this posed to the public, they served a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice which immediately closed the supermarket that day.

Following a court appearance and a re-investigation, Environmental Health were satisfied that the store had dealt sufficiently with the issue and allowed it to reopen on Thursday 18 January.

Cllr Kabir Hussain, Cabinet Member for Environment and the Climate Emergency, said:

“This is a great result for our team and shows how important it is that people report any concerns to us so we can take prompt and decisive action.

“Mice droppings and urine contain a number of substances that can be harmful to humans so it is essential that businesses ensure they deal sufficiently with any mouse problems.

“It is pleasing to see that the store has been able to deal with the problem so it could re-open.”

For more information and to report a business, click here.