Convenience store shut down after Great Yarmouth Borough Council inspection reveals rat infestation
A Great Yarmouth convenience store has been shut down after a rat infestation was discovered by council inspectors.
Following a report from a member of the public that a rodent had been spotted, Great Yarmouth Borough Council environmental health officers carried out an unannounced food hygiene inspection at Lichfield Stores on April 30.
At the shop, in Lichfield Road, inspectors found a rat infestation and gnawed food on display for sale. As a result, the council served a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice on the business which required the shop to close immediately.
At a hearing at the town's magistrates' court on May 6, officers secured an order which means Lichfield Stores will remain shut until the council is satisfied the required health standards are met and conditions have improved.
A GYBC spokesperson said: ''Rats can cause illness through contamination of food which poses an imminent risk of injury to health. As soon as we were alerted to a potential issue at the store our environmental health team carried out an immediate inspection and the business was closed down.
''We have a huge number of food businesses in the borough and most work hard to meet the required standards of hygiene. However, we will always take action to protect the public when people fail to maintain the expected standards.''
"It is essential companies dealing with food maintain hygiene and food safety at all times - public safety must be right at the top of their priorities. Our Environmental Health team is always on hand to work with businesses to offer guidance and advice so they can operate safely."
To contact a member of the Environmental Health team email [email protected] or telephone 01493 846478.
