A caution has been issued to the director of an Aldershot grocery store after they failed to tackle a mouse infestation.
During a routine visit by one of Rushmoor Borough Council’s Environmental Health Officers (EHOs) on 29 January, preliminary signs of mouse activity were spotted, and staff were given advice on how to treat it.
However, a follow up visit on the February 3 found that advice had not been followed and, as a consequence, the mouse activity had escalated, with mice seen in the food retail area and gnawed products and packaging discovered.
As a result, on strong advice from the council, the owner agreed to close the shop immediately to treat the rodent infestation.
The premises was revisited again on February 7 and allowed to reopen following the completion of comprehensive mouse treatmen.
Director Sharmila Subba Limbu accepted a caution from Rushmoor Borough Council on Tuesday February 25, on behalf of Namaste Express, admitting food safety offences relating to failing to control pests and failing to protect food against sources of contamination.
Rushmoor Borough Council’s Cabinet member for Pride in Place and Neighbourhood Services, Councillor Christine Guinness, said:
“Food safety is an absolute priority for us, and I wholly support the council’s Environmental Health Officers in addressing the risks in this case. We will always seek to support businesses in the Borough, but I hope this case sends a clear message that where food businesses expose customers to risk, we will act swiftly and appropriately.”
EHOs from the council will be making regular visits to the store to ensure food hygiene standards are maintained.
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