A Huddersfield takeaway is being investigated after an inspector reported finding mouse droppings next to food.
An environmental health inspector from Kirklees Council served a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice to close Kashmir Spice in Fartown, Huddersfield, following a food hygiene inspection on March 26 this year. The inspection led to a zero rating for the premises, the lowest rating available.
The inspector took action to close the business in Bradford Road after they found evidence of a mice infestation throughout the premises, according to council documents. On April 2, a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice order was signed at the magistrates’ court which agreed with the inspector’s decision to close the business.
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Details of the action taken by the local authority are contained in a letter, dated April 18, from Kirklees Council to Kashmir Spice at 226 Bradford Road which was released following a Freedom of Information Act request.
The letter states: “During my food hygiene inspection on the 26th March 2024, I found evidence of a mice infestation throughout the premises. Mice droppings were found in the food preparation area, next to food items. I decided that there was an imminent risk to public health and served a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice.
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“Subsequently a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition order was signed by the Magistrate’s Court on the 2nd April 2024 agreeing that the action I took to close the business at the time was correct.”
During the inspection, mice droppings were seen around the kitchen perimeter and on the food preparation bench next to cooked food packaging, the letter stated. A number of holes were found that could allow pests into the premises, including near a fridge, under the sink and in a door frame, according to the inspector.
The inspector revisited the premises on April 2 and noted that works had been completed to prevent pests getting into the premises, and no mice droppings were found. This resulted in a “health risk no longer exists” certificate being issued and the business was allowed to reopen.
The business was awarded a zero food hygiene rating, meaning ‘major improvement’ was needed. The business was also told not to store food on the floor after the inspector noted onions on the floor in the kitchen. The letter added: “This is not suitable as food items can become contaminated. Storing food items on the floor also makes it difficult to clean and makes it difficult to check for pests.”
The business was also told not to use scented antibacterial spray as it can ‘taint food’. Scent-free sanitiser was recommended.
A Kirklees Council spokesman confirmed there was an ‘ongoing investigation’ and so it could not comment.
A spokesman for Kashmir Spice told Yorkshire Live that he was confident the business would soon get an improved food hygiene rating. He confirmed the business had been closed for ‘two or three’ days over a Bank Holiday weekend following the inspection. He suggested the evidence relating to ‘mouse droppings’ had not been ‘conclusive’. Asked if the food was safe, he said: “Yeah, 100%.”
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