Filthy north east London burger shop shut down over mouldy food and mouse droppings in kitchen

A filthy north east London burger shop has been shut down after inspectors found mouldy food and mouse droppings in its kitchen.

The takeaway in Walthamstow was closed down after hygiene officers made a series of shocking discoveries including mouse droppings, mouldy black pudding and bacon that was turning green.

A food safety inspector from Waltham Forest Council visited Hamburger Grill on Walthamstow High Street after a customer complained about seeing a rat in the toilets.

As soon as the officer entered the kitchen area they noticed it was thick with grease and extremely dirty.

They soon encountered mouse droppings on a shelf where food was being stored and next to plates that customers would have eaten from. They also found packets of nuts and dried fruit that had been gnawed by mice.

More rat and mouse droppings were found in the rear food store and a large rat hole was found in a cupboard. There was a mouse hole in the serving area.

A large amount of mouldy food was found in the premises including black puddings, fruit and jars of pickled beetroot and gherkins.

If that wasn’t enough several packs of potatoes were found which were green and sprouting, and a container of bacon was going green. All of the containers on the premises were greasy and encrusted with food.

The building was so cluttered throughout it would have been impossible to clean, and the rear garden was also a mess with a large amount of bread and bird seed in the yard area.

Due to the serious risk to public health the inspector served a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice on the premises, meaning it was required to close immediately.

A Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Order was then ordered at Stratford Magistrates Court on Friday 17 June, which means the premises will remain closed until the inspector is satisfied that all the hygiene issues have been addressed.