Portsmouth food business closed by court order due to health risk
Shake & Burger shut down after inspection reveals mouse infestation and poor hygiene
A food business in Portsmouth has been ordered to remain closed by the court following the discovery of a severe mouse infestation and poor hygiene practices.
Environmental health officers from Portsmouth City Council inspected Shake & Burger on Copnor Road on 14th July 2026.
During the visit, officers identified an active mouse infestation throughout the kitchen, posing an immediate threat to public health.
Mouse droppings were found near various food preparation areas, including around an ice cream machine, alongside sauce bottles, near a chopping board, on clingfilm, and around food storage containers.
Previously, the ice cream machine was prohibited from use due to mouse activity.
The inspection also revealed hygiene deficiencies that heightened the risk to customers.
These issues included the absence of soap at the wash hand basin, inadequate handwashing facilities for food handlers, lack of sanitiser spray to clean food preparation surfaces, and excessive grease and food debris around the fryer.
Court Order and Immediate Closure
Portsmouth City Council issued a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice, closing the business immediately upon inspection due to health risks.
Portsmouth Magistrates' Court reviewed the council’s application on 16th July 2026 and issued a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Order.
This requires the premises to stay shut until the health threat is eliminated.
Councillor Lee Hunt, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Leisure & Sport, commented on the situation.
"Food businesses have a legal responsibility to maintain high standards of food hygiene and protect their customers from harm," Councillor Hunt said.
"The conditions found at this premises presented a serious risk to public health and officers acted swiftly to ensure that risk was removed.”
Councillor Hunt praised the prompt action of environmental health officers in safeguarding residents and visitors, expressing the council's commitment to enforcing robust standards.
The business will remain closed until significant health risks are fully remedied and safe operation can be assured.
Members of the public interested in food hygiene ratings for local establishments can visit the Food Standards Agency website at https://ratings.food.gov.uk/