A FOOD store has been closed down after mouse droppings were found.

The closure of Zan’s food store on Parliament Road in Middlesbrough followed an inspection by Environmental Health Officers from Middlesbrough Council’s Public Protection Service on Thursday, October 26.

During the routine food hygiene check, evidence of a serious and widespread mouse infestation was found, including mouse droppings throughout the store and gnawed foodstuffs.

A Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice was served on the food business operator requiring them to cease trading immediately.

On Monday , Middlesbrough Council was granted a Court Order at Teesside Magistrates’ Court confirming the Council’s actions and requiring the business to remain closed until the Council is satisfied that the health risk conditions have been removed.

During the visit, Officers also found a concealment of illicit tobacco and seized a quantity of cigarettes and hand rolling tobacco. Investigations into this matter are continuing.

Judith Hedgley, Middlesbrough Council’s head of public protection, said: “Working together with other agencies, including Police, Immigration and HMRC, we have been taking part in enforcement exercises to tackle anti-social behaviour and unlawful activities in and around the town centre.

“As part of this work Environmental Health and Trading Standards Officers visited a number of businesses to carry out regulatory checks.

“In Zan’s, we found a serious mouse problem, with many food items having been gnawed and contaminated.

“Officers took immediate steps to protect public health and they closed the premises using emergency powers.

“We would urge all food businesses to take steps to regularly check their food business for signs of any pests - they are very often easy to spot.

“Taking action quickly and with the help of a pest control company can avoid the situation we found in Zan’s.

“If a business would like advice on pest control or any other food hygiene matters, our officers are here to help.”

Councillor Julia Rostron, Middlesbrough Council’s executive member for adult social care and public health, said: “Closing a food business is always a last resort and is carried out to protect public health.

“Officers would much rather be providing advice and support, to help businesses develop successfully and to operate within the law.

“They carry out over 500 visits to Middlesbrough food businesses each year and regularly provide advice over the phone or arrange to visit food premises.

“I would encourage business owners to contact the Public Protection Service to take advantage of this free service.”