Emergency closure issued after widespread mouse infestation found at Walsall takeaway
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A Walsall takeaway was ordered to close with immediate effect after Environmental Health officers discovered evidence of a widespread and active mouse infestation during an inspection.
Golden Fish Bar & Pizza Palace Ltd, on Bloxwich Road, was served with a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice by Walsall Council on 30 June 2026 after Environmental Health officers identified an imminent risk to public health.
During a routine inspection, officers found signs of pest activity throughout the food preparation areas, including mouse droppings and gnawed tissue paper.
Mouse droppings were also discovered on food preparation equipment, including a dough mixer, pizza pan and metal pizza dividers. Officers concluded there was sufficient evidence to confirm an active and widespread mouse infestation.
“ The council takes public health extremely seriously and will always take immediate action where food businesses present a risk to customers.
Everyone has the right to expect that food is prepared in clean and hygienic conditions. Rodent infestations can pose serious health risks, including the spread of harmful bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli.
Food businesses have a responsibility to maintain the standards required to keep customers safe. Where those standards fall short, we will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action. “
The case was heard at Dudley Magistrates' Court on 7 July 2026, where magistrates approved the Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Order, confirming the actions to close the premises with immediate effect were appropriate and justified. In addition, the Court ordered the business to pay £475 costs to the Council.
Following remedial works and cooperation with Walsall Council's Environmental Health officers, the business was permitted to reopen on 8 July 2026 after officers were satisfied that the imminent risk to health had been removed.
Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice attached to the exterior of Golden Fish Bar and Pizza Palace Ltd
Gnawed box found in food preparation area at Golden Fish Bar and Pizza Palace Ltd
Pest droppings found behind food preparation equipment at Golden Fish Bar and Pizza Palace Ltd
Pest droppings found in food preparation area at Golden Fish Bar and Pizza Palace Ltd
Plastic container and lid found with pest droppings in food preparation area at Golden Fish Bar and Pizza Palace Ltd
