Golden Fish Bar & Pizza Palace Ltd, a takeaway on Bloxwich Road in Walsall, was forced to shut its doors immediately after environmental health officers discovered mouse droppings throughout the premises during a routine inspection. The droppings were found in the food preparation area, including on a dough mixer, pizza pan, and metal pizza dividers, indicating an active and widespread mouse infestation.
Mouse Infestation Discovered During Inspection
The inspection, carried out by Walsall Council's environmental health team, revealed evidence of rodent activity in multiple areas of the business. Officers concluded that the infestation posed an imminent risk to public health, leading to the service of a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice. The notice required the business to cease operations with immediate effect to prevent any potential contamination of food served to customers.
Court Prohibits Operation
The case was heard at Dudley Magistrates' Court on July 7, 2026, where magistrates approved the Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Order, confirming that the council's actions to close the premises were appropriate and justified. The court also ordered the business to pay £475 in costs to Walsall Council, covering the expenses incurred during the enforcement process.
Cllr Ian Benton, Portfolio Holder for Street Scene and Enforcement at Walsall Council, emphasised the seriousness of the situation. He stated: "The council takes public health extremely seriously and will always take immediate action where food businesses present a risk to customers. Everyone has the right to expect that food is prepared in clean and hygienic conditions. Rodent infestations can pose serious health risks, including the spread of harmful bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli. Food businesses have a responsibility to maintain the standards required to keep customers safe. Where those standards fall short, we will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action."
Council's Commitment to Food Safety
The discovery of mouse droppings on food preparation equipment highlights the importance of rigorous hygiene standards in the food industry. Rodents can carry a range of pathogens that cause foodborne illnesses, making infestations a significant threat to public health. Walsall Council's swift response demonstrates its commitment to protecting consumers and ensuring that food businesses adhere to legal requirements.
Following the closure, the business undertook remedial works to address the infestation and improve hygiene practices. The takeaway cooperated fully with Walsall Council's Environmental Health officers, who conducted follow-up inspections to verify that the risk had been eliminated.
Business Reopens After Remediation
After officers were satisfied that the imminent risk to health had been removed, the business was permitted to reopen on July 9, 2026. The council confirmed that the necessary steps had been taken to clear the infestation and restore safe conditions for food preparation. The case serves as a reminder to all food businesses of the importance of maintaining high standards of cleanliness and pest control to prevent similar incidents.
