Portsmouth City Council environmental health officers have ordered the immediate closure of a local food business after finding an active mouse infestation and what they describe as serious hygiene concerns.
Inspection and findings
Officers inspected Shake & Burger, at 42 Copnor Road, PO3 5AH, on 14 July 2026. They reported mouse droppings present throughout the kitchen, including in multiple food preparation and storage areas. Contamination was recorded next to a chopping board, alongside sauce bottles, and around an ice-cream machine that had previously been prohibited from use because of mouse activity.
In addition to evidence of rodents, the inspection found what the council called "serious hygiene concerns": a lack of soap at the wash hand basin, no sanitiser spray for cleaning food preparation surfaces, and "significant accumulations" of grease and food debris around the fryer area.
Enforcement action
Following the inspection, the council served a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice which closed the premises immediately. On 16 July 2026 Portsmouth Magistrates' Court granted a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Order, agreeing there was an imminent risk of injury to health and requiring the premises to remain closed until the risks have been removed.
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| 14 July 2026 | Environmental health inspection — mouse droppings and hygiene failures recorded |
| 14 July 2026 | Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice served — immediate closure |
| 16 July 2026 | Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Order granted by magistrates — closure to remain until remedied |
Council response and public protection
"Food businesses have a legal responsibility to maintain high standards of food hygiene and protect their customers from harm. The conditions found at this premises presented a serious risk to public health and officers acted swiftly to ensure that risk was removed,"
These were the words of Councillor Lee Hunt, the council cabinet member for community safety, leisure and sport, who praised the environmental health team's prompt action. The council said it will continue to take robust enforcement measures where standards fall well below those required to protect the public.
Implications for local residents and businesses
The prohibition order means Shake & Burger must not operate until environmental health officers are satisfied the hazards have been eliminated. For customers this is an immediate protective step; for other food operators in Portsmouth, the case is a reminder of regulatory expectations and potential consequences for non-compliance.
- Consumers should check businesses' food hygiene ratings before purchasing takeaway food.
- Local food premises are legally required to keep premises free from infestation and ensure adequate handwashing and surface sanitisation facilities.
- The council will take legal action where there is an imminent risk to health.
Portsmouth City Council did not provide further details about the business's plans for remediation or a timetable for re-inspection. The magistrates' order requires the premises to remain closed until the identified health risks have been properly addressed and removed.
