Mice-ridden restaurant was 'imminent risk' to diners

A burger restaurant has been shut down over public health concerns after hygiene inspectors found evidence of a widespread mouse infestation.

Oxford City Council said it had taken the urgent enforcement action at Peppers Burgers, in Jericho, after its officers "identified an imminent risk of injury to health".

The authority said a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Order had been issued on the premises due to "extremely poor hygiene conditions" and a "serious mouse infestation" throughout the business.

It said the owner of the firm, Ali Ashraf, had told officers that the mice "were seasonal" and "that they came every year".

Council cabinet member Lubna Arshad, said the conditions that inspectors uncovered were "wholly unacceptable".

"Businesses serving food in Oxford have a legal and moral responsibility to maintain rigorous hygiene standards," she said.

"We will not hesitate to take immediate and robust action where there is an imminent risk to residents and visitors, and where operators fail to recognise or act on serious food safety breaches."

The council said it found that any food prepared or stored at the premises was considered to be "at high risk of contamination".

During their inspection, council officers discovered evidence of mice across the premises alongside a lack of proof of previous pest control.

They uncovered a dead mouse behind a freezer, as well as "large quantities" of mouse droppings throughout the property - including in the kitchen and rooms where food was prepared.

The site was also found to be "insufficiently pest-proofed", with large gaps around pipework and skirting boards allowing rodents easy access throughout the building.

Concerns were also raised regarding a lack of food-safe sanitiser and disinfectant on site, as well as a shortage of food safety management procedures, records or documentation.

The authority said Ashraf had failed to "demonstrate an understanding of the seriousness of the risks identified" following the inspection.

It added that the owner had also declined to voluntarily close the restaurant following the inspection.