When mice threatened Christmas 🐭

EHO Story 📩

Christmas is one of the busiest times for restaurants. But what happens when a venue booked to host the council’s environmental health team’s own Christmas lunch ends up being closed down just weeks before?

The environmental health department had booked their Christmas lunch at a local restaurant. By coincidence, that restaurant was also on my list for a routine food hygiene inspection 🤣

When I visited a couple of weeks before the booking, to my horror, I found evidence of a mouse infestation. It was serious enough that the business had to close immediately. There are no exceptions with pests, a mouse infestation must be brought under control before reopening.

It was touch and go whether they would be able to reopen in time. I worked closely with the business, giving advice and supporting them through the steps needed. Entry points were sealed, pest control was brought in, and a full deep clean took place.

Fortunately, the business acted quickly and got everything under control in time to reopen for Christmas. Their bookings were saved. Needless to say though, the food safety team and I didn’t end up going there for lunch!

Food Safety Tip ✅

✅ Pests can strike at the worst possible moment, but swift action can prevent long-term damage.

✅ Tackling the problem properly and immediately is always the right decision.

✅ If you get closed by your EHO, working with them and a reputable pest control contractor can make the difference between reopening quickly or losing valuable business.

The Serious Lesson

Pests don’t just threaten food safety, they can also cost you your business. In peak season, losing even a week of trade can mean thousands of pounds in lost revenue. Taking proactive steps like sealing entry points, monitoring regularly, and maintaining high standards of cleaning at all times can help prevent things from getting out of control.