A Birmingham Grand Central restaurant has failed a hygiene inspection after pest activity and mouse droppings were discovered. The Tortilla branch in the city centre was the only one among the chain's 50-plus UK sites to receive a failing hygiene rating as of April 28.
Despite pest checks being recorded on the day of the inspection, the inspector found droppings and recommended retraining of staff. The Mexican-inspired restaurant and takeaway, known for burritos, quesadillas, and nachos, received a score of two on March 2, meaning improvement is necessary, which is considered a fail by the Food Standards Agency.
Inspection Details
Scores above three are generally regarded as a pass. The inspection assessed cleanliness, food preparation, and safety. Seven areas at Tortilla were found to have mouse droppings, including the work surface, an area next to wrapped food containers, and another area near bottles of vinegar.
The inspector advised Tortilla to conduct multiple pest checks throughout the day and arrange a pest control visit the following day.
Company Response
A Tortilla Mexican Grill spokesperson said: “This has been very frustrating for us as a business, as we place a strong emphasis on maintaining high standards and consistently achieving five-star ratings across our restaurants. We hope the issues we have faced, affecting the centre and surrounding areas, will soon be resolved, and we are working with the relevant authorities to ensure these broader concerns are addressed.”
“Despite the challenging environment, we remain committed to delivering the highest levels of food safety and customer experience. Following the inspection, immediate measures have been put in place, including strengthened procedures, enhanced team training, and ongoing monitoring. We are confident these steps will ensure the highest standards are met, and we look forward to regaining our five-star rating as soon as possible.”
