Restaurant shut down after Great Yarmouth Borough Council inspection reveals mouse infestation

Officers carried out the unannounced routine food hygiene visit at To No Trabalho in Regent Street, Great Yarmouth, last week. The inspection uncovered a widespread mouse problem and poor cleaning throughout the premises - including the kitchen and bar area.

To protect public health, officers served a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice on the restaurant on January 9, requiring To No Trabalho to close immediately. Officers said mice can cause illness via contamination of food, posing an imminent risk of injury to health.

On Monday, January 13, council officers attended a hearing at Great Yarmouth Magistrates' Court where an order was granted to ensure the restaurant and takeaway remains shut until the council is satisfied health standards are met and conditions have improved.

Councillor Paul Wells, Great Yarmouth Borough Council's portfolio holder for Licensing and Waste, Environment and Sustainability, said: ''We have many excellent food businesses that work hard to meet the required standards around food hygiene. However, unfortunately, there are some occasions where some businesses fall short of those standards.''

A GYBC spokesperson added: ''It is essential food businesses maintain hygiene and food safety at all times. It should be right at the top of their priorities to ensure public safety.

''Officers will not hesitate to act quickly if they believe public health is at risk. Our Environmental Health team wants to work with local businesses to maintain high standards and our staff are on hand to provide guidance and advice so people can operate safely."

To contact a member of the Environmental Health team please email health@great-yarmouth.gov.uk or telephone 01493 846478.