A DEAD mouse was discovered by hygiene inspectors at one of five food outlets in the borough that were shut down for revolting hygiene conditions.

Ealing Council has taken legal action against five mouse infested businesses following food hygiene inspections over the summer.

Last Thursday (September 5), Ealing Magistrates Court supported the council’s decision to serve hygiene emergency prohibition notices on the five businesses. They were closed immediately after inspections, and can only reopen once inspectors are satisfied extensive cleaning and pest control had taken place.

Yeraz takeway in Uxbridge Road, Ealing was closed after food safety officers saw a live mouse and mouse droppings in the kitchen during an inspection on August 14. Officers inspected the takeaway following a complaint by a member of the public. The court ordered the owner to pay council costs of £521.31.

Another Ealing takeaway, Chris’ Fish and Chips in The Broadway, was closed after officers found gnawed potatoes and rat droppings, as well as dirty food containers, during an inspection on July 25. The business reopened on August  9 and was ordered by the court to pay £544 towards the council’s costs.

A third takeaway, Al Jazeera in West Ealing Broadway, was closed on July 19 after officers found a bag of rice that had been gnawed open, mouse droppings in the kitchen and on food containers and cutlery boxes. The court ordered the owner to pay costs of £544.09.

An Acton supermarket, Al-Rafidain in Churchfield Road was closed on July 15 after officers saw a dead mouse on the basement floor along with gnawed biscuits and pasta for sale on the store’s shelves. Officers also found flies swarming around meat for sale, and sacks of rice covered in mouse droppings. The store reopened on July 19 and was ordered to pay £614.28 towards the council’s costs.

The fifth business, Palm Palace in South Road, Southall, was closed on July 29 after officers found mouse droppings throughout the restaurant and outhouse, including on kitchen equipment, plates and in food packaging. There was also a build-up of grease and food debris in the kitchen. In court, the owner was ordered to pay £715.16 towards the council’s costs.