A SANDWICH manufacturer was ordered to close part of its factory after a rat infestation was discovered.

CK Foods in Bedale - trading as Country Kitchens - was closed down for three days over serious concerns for public health after evidence of a rat infestation was found by Hambleton District Council officers.

Part of the production unit was shut down on Monday (February 12) after a visit to the premises by the council’s Environmental Health Officers. CK Food Country Kitchen's address is listed as Blind Lane in Aiskew, Bedale.

Two days later Northallerton Magistrates agreed with the council’s decision and granted them a court order to keep the business closed until officers are satisfied conditions in the premises no longer present a health risk.

CK Foods owner, Mr Derek Coulson, did not appeal against the council’s enforcement decision.

The council described conditions in the premises as posing an imminent risk of injury to the health of the customers.

Paul Staines, Director of Leisure and Environment said: “Officers used emergency powers to deal with a food business in Hambleton that was operating far below the legal standard.

“Food produced in dirty premises, or those with pest activity in them, pose serious risks to the safety of the food being produced there. Pest activity in food businesses is unacceptable and can lead to food poisoning.

“Where officers find that standards in food businesses pose serious risks to the health of consumers, they are authorised to take action. This includes powers to stop businesses from trading.”

The affected part of the production unit remained closed until Thursday, February 15 when officers were satisfied there was no longer a risk to public health.

An investigation into the reasons for the poor conditions in the premises will now be carried out.

  • The Northern Echo contacted CK Foods for comment, but no response was received.