A fast food restaurant in Battersea that had a serious rodent infestation has been has been shut down by food safety inspectors.

Wandsworth Council took emergency legal action to close the Chicken Spot takeaway in Falcon Road after discovering it was riddled with mice and filthy food preparation surfaces covered in mouse droppings.

The inspectors believed the restaurant posed an immediate risk to public health and ordered the owner to close it immediately.

During their visit the inspectors saw mice running behind freezers and discovered that the only cleaning product in the whole restaurant was washing up liquid.

The takeaway will remain closed, on the orders of the South Western Magistrates Court, until it has been thoroughly cleaned and disinfected and the rodent infestation has been eradicated.

The council’s consumer protection spokesman said: "What the inspectors were confronted with at this takeaway was simply unacceptable.

"Its kitchen, food storage areas and food preparation areas were filthy and festooned in mouse droppings. It is difficult to think of anywhere that would have been more unsuitable to be preparing and cooking food.

"Anyone who owns or runs a food business in Wandsworth should be under no illusions about the sanctions they will face if they do not observe the very highest standards of cleanliness and hygiene.

"In this case, the owner’s sloppy and unacceptable practices have cost it a good deal of lost revenue and also caused significant damage to its reputation. Other food businesses should take careful note of these consequences."

One former customer Tom O'Shaughnessy, who lives near the takeaway, said: "I feel physically ill. I used to eat there fairly regularly. I might even turn vegetarian.

"But at least its closed for now, I won't be going back."

For more information about the courses and to book a place visit www.wandsworth.gov.uk/foodsafety, call 020 8871 6166/6013 or email foodsafety@wandsworth.gov.uk

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