Food safety inspectors had a case of déjà vu when they found mouse droppings in bags of flour and drinking glasses at a bakery.

Déjà Vu Bakery at 87 Walthamstow High Street has been closed by Waltham Forest Council after they came across boxes of sugar and cleaning sponges that had been chewed by pests.

After the grim discovery was made on a routine visit to the premises, officials obtained a Hygiene Prohibition Order at Thames Magistrates’ Court.

The order means the business will not be allowed to re-open until the imminent risk to customers has been removed.

Cllr Clyde Loakes, deputy leader and cabinet member for the environment, said: “Customers using this bakery have been badly let down by the owners.

“Who on earth would want to buy fresh bread from a premises infested by mice?

“The thought of having ingredients and utensils contaminated by mouse droppings is really disgusting.

“In nearly every case where food safety officers have to take this extreme action to stop a business trading there is a serious pest problem present.”

Cllr Loakes stressed that businesses “do not need to cut corners” to safeguard their reputation while at the same time keeping the health of their customers in mind.

The council provides a pest control service with contracts from £10 per week or a one-off course of treatment for £145.

To find out more about the service visit www.walthamforestservicestore.co.uk.