An Indian restaurant located in The Mailbox complex in Birmingham was temporarily closed for three days after an environmental health inspection uncovered mouse droppings in its kitchen area. The eatery, Dil Se, underwent an unannounced visit from a Birmingham City Council environmental health officer on Monday, 7 September.
During the inspection, droppings were found on the floor and behind kitchen equipment, which prompted concerns about food safety risks. A Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Order (HEPO) was issued to the food business operators, Gharana F&B Limited, on grounds that the presence of rodents posed an imminent risk to public health. This order required the immediate closure of the restaurant, which also offers takeaway services, until a comprehensive deep clean could be completed.
Environmental health officer Karen Boyal, who conducted the inspection, informed the hearing at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, 9 September, that mice are known to transfer harmful bacteria such as listeria, salmonella, and E-coli by moving between contaminated and clean surfaces. This contamination may lead to illnesses including diarrhoea and stomach pains.
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Although the restaurant was re-inspected on the morning of 9 September, some mouse droppings were still present. A pest control treatment was scheduled later that day. Magistrates upheld the prohibition order, acknowledging the immediate health risks identified.
Following a third inspection the next day, Thursday 10 September, the premises met satisfactory standards and the restaurant was permitted to reopen. Prior to this incident, Dil Se held a five-star food hygiene rating, with inspections typically conducted once every two years.
No representatives from the restaurant attended the court hearing. However, a spokesperson for Dil Se issued a statement expressing awareness of the seriousness of the Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Order. They confirmed full cooperation with Birmingham City Council and stated that addressing the concerns raised was treated as a priority. The spokesperson emphasised that the safety of customers and maintaining high standards of food hygiene remain their utmost priorities, and pledged ongoing commitment to cleanliness and food safety.