Middlesbrough restaurant Marmaris Shawarma closed down over pest infestation

Environmental Health Officers from Middlesbrough Council’s Public Protection Service visited Marmaris Shawarma on Parliament Road on Tuesday, September 12 and found evidence of a widespread mouse infestation and lack of effective cleaning.

A Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice was served requiring the immediate closure of the food business.

Middlesbrough Council was granted a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Order at Teesside Magistrates’ Court yesterday.

Judith Hedgley, the council’s head of public protection, said: “Pest activity and poor standards of cleanliness in any food business creates a serious risk to the health of those served by the business.

“In this food business the conditions presented an imminent risk of injury to health and therefore it would be unacceptable to allow the restaurant to remain open.

“An investigation will now be carried out to determine if further enforcement action is to be taken.”

The court order requires the restaurant to remain closed until Environmental Health Officers have carried out a further hygiene assessment and are satisfied that there is no longer a serious health risk.

Councillor Julia Rostron, Middlesbrough Council’s Executive Member for Adult Health, Social Care and Public Health, said: “Consumers expect the food they buy when eating out in Middlesbrough to be safe and made in hygienic conditions.

“Food businesses must ensure their premises are clean, free from pests and hygiene standards are well managed.

“It is unacceptable for any business to operate under conditions that threaten consumer safety.

“Although Environmental Health Officers will support businesses to maintain good standards of hygiene, they must take appropriate action if public safety is compromised.

“More than 97 per cent of businesses in Middlesbrough achieve the top food ratings, which make it a great concern when poor standards are found in any food business and require enforcement action.”