Paanchi Takeaway Closed After Environmental Health Inspection Reveals Filthy Conditions

A Portsmouth takeaway has been forced to close after environmental health officers uncovered a severe mouse infestation and unacceptable hygiene conditions during a routine inspection.

Environmental health officers in Portsmouth have taken drastic action by closing a local takeaway business after uncovering a severe mouse infestation and unacceptable hygiene conditions during a routine inspection. The discovery at Paanchi on Fratton Road has raised serious concerns about public health and safety.

The inspection, conducted on June 10, 2026, revealed a filthy environment with mouse droppings found next to open food and cooking equipment. The presence of rodents posed an imminent risk to public health, prompting immediate action from the authorities.

Immediate Closure Ordered Due to Public Health Risk

A Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice was served on Paanchi Portsmouth Ltd, the food business operator, due to the severe nature of the infestation. Councillor Lee Hunt, cabinet member for community safety, leisure, and sport, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that the level of mouse activity posed a clear and immediate risk to public health.

“Food businesses must maintain clean, pest-proof premises at all times,” Councillor Hunt said. “Protecting residents is our top priority, and immediate closure was necessary.” The business remains closed as the operator is required to implement measures to ensure appropriate hygiene standards are maintained before it can reopen.

Bakery Chain Fined for Serious Mouse Infestation

In a separate but equally concerning incident, a popular bakery chain, Ole & Steen, was fined £34,000 after its flagship store in London’s Haymarket was found to have a serious mouse infestation. Environmental health officers from Westminster City Council conducted a routine inspection in January 2026 and discovered mouse droppings and other evidence of rodents in food preparation and storage areas.

The bakery had previously been made aware of the pest problem by another pest control contractor but failed to take effective action. The inspection revealed a number of poor food hygiene practices, presenting a risk of cross-contamination. The company pleaded guilty to failing to protect food from contamination risks associated with pest activity and poor hygiene controls at Westminster Magistrates Court.

Councillor Caroline Sargent, deputy leader and cabinet member for enforcement, expressed her disappointment with the findings. “We expect the highest possible food hygiene standards for our residents and visitors, and we will not tolerate a half-baked approach to safety,” she said. “Our environmental health officers found a catalogue of serious failings, including mouse droppings in several locations and poor food hygiene practices, despite this branch receiving previous warnings.”

Ole & Steen’s Response and Commitment to Improvement

Ole & Steen, a premium Danish bakery with more than 100 outlets worldwide, including 26 in the UK, responded to the incident by closing the affected store to address the issue. The store reopened two days later, and the location has since been awarded 4 stars for hygiene and cleanliness. A spokesperson for Ole & Steen emphasized their commitment to upholding the highest food safety and hygiene standards across all of their stores.

“In late 2026, the conditions at our St James’s Market store fell below the standard our customers expect and the standard we hold ourselves to,” the spokesperson said. “We immediately closed the store to address the issue and re-opened two days later. WCC visited while we were taking action and this location has now been awarded 4 stars for hygiene and cleanliness.”

The incidents at Paanchi and Ole & Steen serve as stark reminders of the importance of maintaining high standards of hygiene and pest control in food businesses. The actions taken by environmental health officers highlight the commitment to protecting public health and ensuring that food businesses operate in safe and clean environments.