Leytonstone McDonald’s was forced to close last week after Environmental Health Officers discovered an active mouse infestation.

Customers at the Leytonstone branch were asked to leave the premises following the inspection shortly before lunchtime on Friday 15 October.

The restaurant was shut down after officers received a complaint from a customer which indicated that there was rodent activity at the restaurant.

Officers established the presence of mice- with mouse droppings found in the kitchen and other areas and a dead mouse in a storage cupboard.

 

Grease and mouse droppings were discovered in the Leytonstone branch of McDonalds.

Grease and mouse droppings were discovered in the Leytonstone branch of McDonald's.

 

It is thought that this is the first time a council has shut down a McDonald's over poor hygiene for more than 20 years.

Thames Magistrates Court granted a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Order on Thursday 21 October, which means that the restaurant cannot reopen until necessary improvements have been made and the risk to the public removed.

McDonalds agreed to pay the Council’s full costs of £1,821 associated with the formal closure action.

 

Mouse droppings were discovered in the kitchen.

Mouse droppings were discovered in the kitchen.

 

Councillor Clyde Loakes, Deputy Leader of Waltham Forest Council who oversees food hygiene in the borough, said: “We take all complaints about food hygiene very seriously, no matter how big or small the business.

“Customers need to be able to dine in confidence and safety and we will not hesitate to act when businesses do not meet their responsibilities.

“We know McDonald’s does have a good record for cleanliness which is why these cases are so rare and I understand this is the first time council officers have closed one of its branches in more than two decades.

“Mice carry a range of diseases which can infect humans and cause real harm. I am glad that the company has acknowledged their failings in this incident and are cooperating with Council officers.” 

McDonald's are still unaware as to when they will open.

A McDonald’s spokesperson said:“Cleanliness and hygiene is of the utmost importance to us.

"As soon as this issue was brought to our attention we worked with our pest prevention partner to take immediate action including extensively cleaning the restaurant and completing a number of structural works to ensure that any hygiene issues are permanently dealt with.

"We are working closely with Environmental Health Officers to ensure that the restaurant can be safely reopened as soon as possible.”