| Caterers closed after mice infestation found
A company specialising in quality bespoke catering has been hit with fines of more than £7,000 after mice were found infesting its premises. Following a complaint from a member of the public, city council food safety officers inspected the caterer's premises where an active and extensive infestation was found. Mouse droppings were found on the floor beneath shelving and underneath equipment in the food handling area, in the washing up area and the staff changing room. Officers found the walls, floor and much of the preparation equipment in the food handling area dirty - with thick grease spillages encrusting the fryer and the adjacent wall - and insufficient hand washing facilities. Euro Caterers consented to voluntary closure in June 2011 to allow for extensive cleaning of the premises and pest control work to take place, before being given clearance to re-open. Cllr Nigel Murphy, Manchester City Council's executive member for environment, said: "To allow what need to be a clean and safe food preparation premises to build up such a level of dirt - not to mention a mouse infestation of this degree - with no consideration for the well-being of their customers, shows a contempt that is completely unacceptable anywhere, let alone the catering industry. Packets of spice were also found chewed open and gnawed by mice. "The heavy fine shows the gravity of their offence and is another example that Manchester businesses who disregard their hygiene responsibilities will be met with the full extent of the law. |
Thursday, 10 May 2012
Caterers closed after mice infestation found
